ARCHIVE REPORTS
The Green, Millom
Jayne and Pip would like to say a big thank you to the people (especially you Baz) who have helped with the Shepherds Meets, Ulverston Area are responsible 5 of the 6 meetings, unfortunately, only Jayne, Pip and George were on hand to officiate at these meetings, make it difficult to be in all the different places at one time. A big thank you to the people who contributed to the sponsor money for the trails, both shepherds meet committees were very grateful of your contributions, without the support of these farmers we have no sport so showing our support is very much appreciated.
Weather was a mixed bag of showers and sunshine. Five seniors took to the trail which is a mixture of fields and fell, word from the road was that four were clear coming onto the finish ten yards covered the first three with Deja Vu showing in front, she lead Enoch and Shifter nearly all the way to the line, where Enoch just piped Deja Vu to the post by a short nose with shifter in third, Cinnabar fourth and Valhalla in 5th.
Small but classy field of 4 pups took to the trail, word from the road was that Jacob, Poker Face and Colourful had stollen a few yards from Momentum. Coming onto the finish Jacob and Poker Face had dropped Colourful, Jacob took the win by a few yards from Poke Face these were a distance clear of Momentum and Colourful.
Final trail of the 2010 season had arrived a small field of four runners took to the trail word from the road was that Soverign had the advantage over the others. Coming onto the finish it was local hound Ivy Crag with the advantage over Misty these two were clear of Soverign who took third and Nutmeg fourth.
See you all next year, when we will be back reporting on practice trails your reports will be greatly appreciated, dont be shy come forward and join our roving team of reporters!!!
BHTA Fun Day - Sandale - Sunday 7 November
Off to Sandale for the annual joint meet with our Border friends and it was also nice to see some of the Yorkshire contingent as well. The weather was ok when we first got there but it soon became bitterly cold. However, there were some competitive races and it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
First up were the dogs and when they came into sight in the fields, four of the eight runners had pulled clear. It was the favourite Dynajet 08, Cavendish, Rhinestone Cowboy and Denman and this quartet had quite a nice lead over the International winner, Jackpot. Climbing out of the ghyll onto the fell and the leaders got a bit wrong. Dynajet 08 lost alot of ground here and Jackpot caught up and it was the latter that went on to the fell with the advantage. Cavendish, Denman and Rhinestone were in hot pursuit and dropping down into the bottoms, Jackpot and Cavendish weree closely matched and these two pulled away from the others. Coming out onto the finish and Jackpot still led but Cavendish was gaining all the time and Jayne's charge drew level coming through the last gate and from here finished really well to take the spoils by a few yards. Denman just beat Rhinestone for third place with Dynajet 08 making a lot of ground in the later stages to take fifth ahead of Hunter's Lane.
Eleven took their chance in the bitches race and it was the puppy contingent of Enoch, Border River and Blackbird that were leading the way when they first came into sight. Climbing out onto the fell and there were still plenty in with chances but the leaders had a scale on the top and from here Desire stole a march, going right through from fifth place and gaining a good lead. Dropping in and the others got her in their sights and she was joined by Blackbird and Enoch going into the bottoms. Coming out onto the finish and Blackbird and Enoch had ten yards or so on Desire and these three looked to have the race between them. Blackbird and Enoch battled hard all the way to the line and it was the former that just got the verdict in a desperately close race. Desire was a few yards adrift in third with Delta Diva fourth, Mang Nix fifth and Border River sixth.
The largset slip of the afternoon in the maiden trail and Joanna Satterthwaite's Thorn Girl put in a very impressive performance, leading almost all the way and pulling well clear in the closing stages to triumph in the fastest time of the afternoon. Well done Millie Mogs! The two year old was chased home by Sundown in second and there was a good race for the remaining tickets with Dizzee Rascal taking third, Brannigan fourth, Eden Roberta fifth and Sweet Pea sixth.
Last but not least the veterans and a field of seven went to post. Three hounds had pulled clear by the time they came into our sight, Linsdale, Skylark and Mayfair and this trio had a good race climbing out onto the fell and going through the top. When they turned to drop in, Shifter and Westgate Jimmy got on terms with the three leaders but dropping in, Skylark and Linsdale pulled away again with Mayfair in third fifty yards or so behind. Coming onto the finish and the three principals were back together again and in a good race, Mayfair just got the better of Skylark with Linsdale close behind in third. Shifter was fourth and the Yorkshire pair Westgate Jimmy and Dairy Rhythm took fifth and sixth.
Then followed a four minute trial for 2011 hopefuls and the eleven runners all acquited themselves very well. When they appeared on the finish there was a good line of them but they got themselves a bit high at the fence and it was Norman & Lynn Brown's Clayton - Snowy Owl bitch and Reg Smith's Dairy One- Jigsaw bitch that got away from here the best. From here this pair both ran on well and it was the Brown's charge that just got the upperhand in the closing stages to get up and win by half a length. Their other representative, a litter sister of the winner was clear in third place.
From here we went back to the Greyhound at Bothel for refreshments and it has to be said that the shephard's pie was absolutely delicious and just what we needed to warm us up! Joanna got a treble up by winning two prizes in the raffle the jammy dodger ha ha! Many thanks to our Border hosts, it was a highly enjoyable afternoon and a terrific end to the season. Here's looking forward to next year.
Seathwaite - Walna Scar Shepherd's Meet - Saturday 6 November
The weather was cold but clear and there was a good turn out for the first Shephard's Meet of 2010. For the benefit of those that have never been, these meetings are always hugely enjoyable because of their relaxed nature and the good crack.
There was a good slip of thirteen seniors and Brian & John Graham's Velvet was installed as the even money favourite on the strength of her recent excellent form. The first view you get of them is coming through the top of the fell heading for the finish and when they showed, Cinnabar was in front with Velvet, Della, Sundown, Deja Vu and Sunshine in hot pursuit. These six had pulled clear at this stage. Dropping in and Sundown came to the front but the others were still closely bunched behind with the exception of Della who had made a miss and lost some ground. From here they go out of sight and it is a bit tricky where they come onto the finish and when they showed again it was Deja Vu that had taken the initiative and from here, Christine Brownlee's charge never looked like getting beat, and she took the spoils by a few yards ahead of Velvet with Sundown third and Cinnabar fourth. Della made ground to get back up to fifth place and Sunshine was sixth.
There was a select field of seven puppies and when they came off the top four of them had stolen a march. Tiagress led from Colourful and Momentum with Jacob McClink a bit behind in fourth but when they dropped in all four were together and it was Jacob that made the best progress to take the lead going in out of sight. Through the tricky bit and Jacob still had the advantage and from here the International winner ran on well and strolled to victory with the ever present Tiagress second and Momentum third. Colourful had obviously got wrong but came through to take fourth with kennelmate Poker Face fifth and Betty Boo just getting up to deny Morning Service for sixth.
Last up were the open restricted and there were ten runners. They must've had a scale in the wood early on because Langdale Smiler, quite out of character, returned to the start after two or three minutes. When they showed on the top, Davina had a good lead over Misty and these two were absolutely on their own. Davina made a miss allowing Misty to catch up and from here, Christine's former puppy champion, now a veteran always had the upper hand. Misty showed in front in the closing stages and despite Davina's best efforts to get back on terms, went on to win by a length or so and completed a winning double for Christine. Well done! These two were miles clear but a good race developed for the other tickets and it was Jim Bob Batty's Ivy Crag that came through to take third just ahead of Nutmeg, Quiet Swift and Spot On.
Roll on next week at The Green, Millom. Get yourselves there!
Sunday 31 October
The final day of the 2010 championship season and a good turn out for a three trail meeting at Cunswick Fell. The weather turned a bit wet towards the end but couldn't dampen the spirits and all three races went off without a hitch. Well done Russ and Wendy and all their helpers and congratulations to the connections of the three winners of the £50 bonuses - Velvet, Border River and Tranquility.
In the senior trail, Velvet was the 1-8 favourite and was backed at that price. The blow from the road was that Velvet and Della had a few yards on the others but when they appeared in the bottoms, the favourite had established a good lead and was well clear of a bunch of four hounds namely Sparrowmire Jill, Habana, My Girl and Della. From here they were never going to catch her and Brian & John's three year old earned her 13th victory of the season in very easy style. Next to show were Della and Sparrowmire Jill and it was the latter that had the upperhand, running a good race and taking second by a couple of lengths. Habana wasn't too far behind in fourth and My Girl and Dizzee Rascal took the other minor tickets.
Velvet has been the in form hound of the 'back end' and has strung together a championship winning style sequence over the past few weeks. She has only been beaten twice since the 14th September, having won eleven of her last thirteen outings and her end total of 13 has moved her into third place in the championship table behind Darling and Huntsman's Dazzler.
Back to the action: a good field of eleven pups and going through the bottoms there were plenty still in contention. Tiagress was leading with Border River and Ooh La La! second and third and at this stage the favourite, Nike was fifth. Coming over the top onto the finish and the leading bunch had been reduced to four. Border River led from Nike, Tiagress and Betty Boo and despite the best efforts of Nike to get back on terms, Border River always had a couple of lengths advantage and this consistent bitch went on to score a well deserved fifth win of the term much to Louise & Liam's delight. Nick, Trisha and Steph's pair ran their usual sound races to take third and fourth with Ooh La La! in fifth and 'Baz' aka The Puddle Jumper taking sixth.
Last up the open restricted trail and a nervous wait for Jayne to see if her charges could earn her enough points to be crowned Division Two champions in the Team Competition. Malcolm & Ann's Spot On was providing the opposition but things were looking good as going through the bottoms Cavendish was in second place behind a dark coloured hound which we narrowed down to either Beyonce or Nemesis (Specsavers required again!). Over the top and four hounds had pulled clear. Beyonce led with Cavendish second, Nemesis third and Tranquility fourth. Beyonce was never headed from here and finished strongly up the hill to score her third win in this grade by ten yards or more. Tranquility produced a good late run to just get up on the line to deny Nemesis for second and Cavendish took fourth. His kennel mate Cannavaro was fifth and as Spot On finished seventh this proved more than enough to claim the top prize. Well done Shauna's Sugababes!
So that's it! The end of another season. Just the shephards meets and the Border open day remain before the long onset of winter. Both Jayne and I would like to thank everyone for their assistance in compiling this website. To our guest reporters, David Howson, Paul Garritty, Baz, Cathy Lister and Donna Hetherington. To our star photographers Alec Steele & Denis Peare and to everyone who has supplied us with points updates: (we'll have to get the Aspatria & Wigton ones sorted next year as well). Thank you to our information providers Heidi Messenger, John Oldcorn & Nicola McMaster for ringing the results through so we can publish them asap and to Barbara Telford for the Border HTA results and reports. If you think we can improve the site in anyway or if you would like to contribute please don't hesitate to get in touch.
The profits from our monthly newsletters and also the calendars have been used to finance the website so thanks to everyone who has supported us in this way and thanks to all our visitors who on the whole have enjoyed our efforts. Over the next few weeks we will provide a series of reports reviewing the 2010 season and documenting how the championships were won and through winter we will provide trial trail information and results. Congratulations to all competition prize winners, take care and see you soon, roll on the 2011 campaign.
Saturday 30 October
A bit breezy but dry at Millstone Moor and there was a good atmosphere for the penultimate fixture of the season. Carolyn and Tracey were selling spookily themed cakes in order to raise money for the junior club (wonder who bought the one that looked like you Bryan ha ha!!) and just as expected there were plenty of rude comments about our witches hats and devil horns! Good crack was had by all.
Anyway on to the trailing action and in the senior trail Shaun, Donna & Becky Hetherington's two year old Dynajet 08 continued to impress with another dazzling driving display. This son of Blueprint & Monarch of the Glen is in my opinion the most improved hound this back end and there will be more to come from him next season. He is only young, being late bred as a pup and he has really developed just lately. Today he led throughout and pulled clear in the closing stages going on to record his second win within the period of three days in good style. Brannigan put in a good performance to take second a similar distance ahead of Hunter's Lane with Jet Rose in fourth, Newtown Ghost fifth and Mayfair finishing well up the hill to take sixth.
In the senior maiden trail, Monday's winner Quiet Swift was installed as favourite. Coming into sight in the bottoms laal Joe reported a dark coloured hound to be in front by a few yards and identified it as Barncroft Secret with Brad the Lad second, Quiet Swift third and Rhinestone Cowboy fourth. Passing the farm and jumping the gate into the last field and it was Brad the Lad and Rhinestone that had come to the fore and these two had a nice lead. They were closely matched all the way up and it was Rhinestone that kept the momentum going and strolled across the line to take the spoils. Well done Flynn! Bradley faded close home and Quiet Swift came through to deny him second place. Barncroft was fourth, Birkby Tan fifth and Run Don't Walk sixth.
Next up were the pups and it developed into a three hound race. In the bottoms, Blackbird led from Da Look and Enoch and this trio had pulled clear of their rivals. Jumping into the last field and they were closely matched although Da Look just led. All the way up the hill and they gave their all. It looked like Enoch had the upper hand at one stage but Da Look rallied well in the closing stages and got up to record his 15th win of the season by the best part of a length. Enoch was second, Blackbird third and Pot Look flew to overtake Endurance and claim fourth place with Momentum back in sixth.
We never stayed for the last two trails but Glenis & Raymond were delighted with Miss Idaho who finished well to take the spoils in the puppy maidens ahead of Morning Service and Big Mac. Then the veteran champ Sophisticated Lady had the perfect end to her season when earning her ninth success in this grade ahead of Linsdale, Misty and Lofty.
Thursday 28 October
Wet and windy at Snow Hill but the hard core of hound trailing enthusiasts braved the conditions for a four trail meet at possibly the most exposed venue in the whole association and cups of tea and coffee from Tina have never been more appreciated!
It actually wasn't too bad when the old dogs set off and we were able to watch them going along Sandale finish. At this stage they were in a good line and it was the in-form Dynajet 08 that led them along with Dizzee Rascal and Della for company but the others weren't too far behind. The next view of them was in the bottom heading for the 'narrows' and there was still plenty in contention at this stage. Climbing out to the fell and I could see hounds but couldn't tell what they were but when they dropped in off the highest point heading for the finish it was apparent that Dynajet 08 was still leading them a merry dance and the improving two year old never looked in danger of getting beat from here. Dizzee and Sunshine were giving chase coming to last road and these two had a few yards on the others. Dynajet 08 gave the Hetherington's more reason to celebrate following the birth of their son, Luke yesterday, when finishing strongly up the hill to earn a well deserved first senior victory. Sunshine got up to beat Dizzee for second with Top Man fourth, Matador fifth and Della coming through late to take the sixth placed ticket.
By the time the maidens set off it was pouring down and I never got my binoculars out until they showed at the wall corner in the closing stages. Six hounds had pulled well clear of their rivals and it was Eden Roberta that led from Run Don't Walk and Birkby Tan and it looked as though these three were going to contest the finish. Eden Roberta maintained her advantage all the way to the line despite the best efforts of Birkby to get back on terms and at the tape there wasn't much in it. These two had drawn away from Run Don't Walk up the hill and the puppy, Wreckless Wren ran a fine race for Donna Bingham to take fourth ahead of Meadow Patch and Wattmore.
Next up were the pups and coming off the common there wasn't much in all nine of the runners. Crossing the road, Border River came to the front but at this stage four hounds were abreast and an exciting finish looked to be on the cards. Coming into the last field and Border still just led but I had my eye on Poker Face in fourth who produced a great turn of foot on the outside to sweep through and record his fifth victory and second within the period of forty eight hours by a couple of lengths. The ever present Border River was second (this bitch has run remarkably consistently just lately and has no less than six seconds and a third from her last seven outings). Delahoya was close up in third, Jackie Boy fourth, Blackbird fifth and Da Look sixth in a close race for all the tickets. Alec & Jackie will be extra delighted with Poker Face's win as this took their ticketing tally for the season to 100, well done both!
I didn't stop for the restricted but David may give us the details...watch this space.........Ta dahhh!! Thank you David:
Twelve went to the post in the Restricted, and by now the betting ring was a quagmire with howling winds and driving rain adding to the discomfort, I had just drawn level on the book and toyed with getting to the sanctuary of the car and the heater, but soldiered on, unfortunately. I wouldn't hazard a guess as to what was running where going out onto the fell as I was huddled under the shelter of my car boot, but even those who went to watch saw nothing. I could see them drop in from my car, but couldn't make them out until they approached the road, and even then I thought Eden Rusty was Newtown Ghost! (No Specsavers comments please, viewing was awful) Spot On led, with Eden Rusty, Mang Nix and Waver Rock close in behind. Up the hill Waver Rock finished tremendously well to pass them all, and would have won comfortably but for veering off to his right towards a rival. I wasn't on the line so can't comment if there was contact, but after a stewards enquiry he was disqualified for interference, a shame because it was a good performance up to that point from a pup. The race then went to Spot On, with Eden Rusty in second and last times winner Mang Nix in third, another pup, Nemesis, who has been frustrating for her owners but obviously has some ability was fourth, the favourite Sophisticated Lady was fifth, and Cracking Thore was sixth.
I wish I'd gone home, I laid three dogs, Waver Rock, Spot On and Eden Rusty each way. Get out of that!
Tuesday 26 October
What started off as not a bad afternoon at Rosthwaite turned into a miserable one weatherwise but the trailing was worth getting wet for as although there was not many runners there were some very good finishes indeed.
First up the seniors and a small field of six but boasting a winning tally of over thirty trails this year between them and they did not disappoint. Climbing out to the fell in the early stages and Velvet and Deja Vu had established a good lead over Desire and Della but dropping back in and coming through the quartet all got together and they stayed like this through the remainder of the trail. Coming across the road and the favourite Velvet took the lead with Della second, Deja Vu third and Desire having lost a bit of ground in fourth. Climbing back out and there wasn't much in the four but they stayed in this order as they did going through the top and heading for the finish. Coming into sight for the last time and the other three had pulled away from Desire and coming into the last field, Della took the initiative. However, the other two were still close in behind and in a close race, Velvet just got back up on the line to deny Della by the narrowest of margins with Deja Vu running a very good race to take third. Desire was fourth a long way clear of Mayfly which in turn was a long way clear of Molly Malone.
Just five runners in the pups and three of them stole a march from an early stage. Alec & Jackie's pair Poker Face and Colourful were joined by Stanley & Carole Jackson & Co's Connie and this trio looked set to all come together onto the finish. However, when they came into sight there was just two, Poker Face was being tracked by Colourful but the dog hound always held the upperhand and gained a ten yard advantage coming into the last field. Despite the best efforts of Colourful, Poker Face ran on strongly and recorded his fourth win in good style. Connie ran on to take third place a long way clear of True Blue which beat Whitrigg Quine for fourth.
Three hounds also pulled clear in the open maidens. Graham & Julie Burkinshaw's Kingdom was driving for much of the way but had Momentum and Wattmore for company climbing out onto the second half of the trail. Goimg through the top and the other two began to draw away from Wattmore and when they came onto the finish it was just between the two pups. Kingdom came into the last field with ten yards or so lead but hesitated and let Momentum back into the race and after another close race, Christine's charge Momentum just got the verdict by half a length or so. Wattmore took third with Nutmeg a clear fourth, Cannavaro fifth and The Legal Beagle sixth.
The seven runners in the open restricted were closely bunched all the way round. Snow Peak led coming off the first ha;f but it was Celtic Spirit that led across the road and into the wood. By now viewing was poor so the next time we got a proper view of them was approaching the finish and at this point all seven were still quite closely bunched. Snow Peak led at the top but was soon passed by Sophisticated Lady dropping in and then rounding the final corner, Misty took the initiative. Coming intio the last field, Sophisticated Lady showed her customary true grit and dug deep to come back to the front and beat Misty by a couple of lengths. Tranquility flew from fourth place and almost caught Misty but in the end was awarded third. Snow Peak was fourth, Celtic Spirit fifth and Seven Up sixth in a good race for all the tickets.
Sorry no photos today as it wasn't really fit in the weather conditions.
Monday 25 October
Thank you David for this report:
A bitterly cold day, a fair crowd but not many runners.
In the old dogs Mayfair was a measly even money considering she hasn't been running well lately and it's three months since she had her head in front, but she does boast excellent form at the venue. Coming through at halfway there were five dogs clear led by Jetrose, and Mayfair had plaenty to do as she and Cinnabar trailed them by a couple of hundred yards. Shrewd money was for Hunters Lane, who is a real "second half" dog, and was among the leaders. Onto the finsh and sure enough Hunters had established a good lead and jumped the last gate clear of Brannigan, with Jetrose in third and Mayfair about 80 yards behind the leader in fourth. After the gate "Patch" took off, passing Brannigan and Jetrose and setting off after the clear leader, and for a moment haf way up the run in I thought she might do it, but Hunters wasn't for pegging back and would still have a good ten yards crossing the line. (Well done Bryan!) Jetrose ran on in third with Brannigan fourth, Newtown Ghost crossed the line fifth and Top Man sixth.
In the maidens it was all about the enigmatic Rhinestone Cowbay and how he would come up the hill, I don't think anybody doubted he would drive the race at a breakneck speed. Sure enough at half way it was "Flynn" driving with Quiet Swift chasing hard about thirty yards behind, and they had opened up a huge lead on the chasing group. Onto the finish and he still had a healthy lead of about thirty yards, but on jumping the gate, first looked as if he was going to run to Baz who had been clearing the sheep and was ducked down to the left of the dogs, but he straightened up, and then started to peak over his shoulder to see where his rival was, almost inevitably he slowed up and Swift went on ten yards from the line to win by a few yards, frustrating me because I'd backed Cowboy at 3-1. It was desperate for third as Bushie led, but was passed by Barncroft Secret and Birkby Tan who had to be soplit by the camera, with the Church team getting the verdict. Bushie ran on for fifth and Run Don't Walk was sixth.
The pups were well grouped all the way round, and at the back of the farm it was the ever consistent Blackbird that led, but onto the finish she was only third as Endurance and De La Hoya fought for the lead. De La Hoya lost ground by smooting the gate giving the lead to Endurance, and although he ran on well, Blackbird wore him down on the long run in to win by a length or two, with De La Hoya getting up for second, Endurance third with Pot Look fourth, Waver Rock fifth and the ludicrously short priced favourite Enoch sixth.
After laying Blackbird without I was doing my spuds in at this stage, and wasn't likely to get out of trouble in the last, being that there were only three runners, my only chance was to take an opinion that one would win, and lay the other two, and decided on Big Mac, so I took plenty for Morning Service at evens and a few quid for Miss Idaho. The three were together for most of the way round, but at the back of the farm Big Mac and Morning Service had a few yards, with the latter just in front. As if to compound my misery though when they came past the gap in the fence before the gate it was the puppy champions littermate Morning Service well clear, and he ran on well all the way to the line to win easily from Big mac in second and another long gap to Miss Idaho in third.
As if I wasn't miserable enough at doing my cobblers in I had to endure one smart arsed bookie who had bottled out of betting the race shouting what idiots we were laying such a "certainty" at evens, I don't recall him mentioning this before or during the race, laying the other two or backing this "certainty". Oh how easy the game is after they've crossed the line, and how hard it is sometimes to bite your lip.
Sunday 24 October
A lovely crisp sunny autumn day for the Kendalian Trails and in the senior trail a rematch between the 2010 senior champion Darling and the in-form hound of the moment, Velvet. It was close in the betting and in the end close at the line, as a classic race developed in the closing stages. Going through the fields in the bottom, Velvet had established a good lead and at this stage My Girl was second with Darling for company and these two were clear of Habana which in turn was clear of Dizzee Rascal and Freebie. Coming over the top onto the finish and Velvet still had a lead of fifty yards or more with Darling now in second and in hot pursuit. Into the dip and Darling had made some headway but it still looked as though Velvet was going to run on from here, however, Darling plugged on relentlessly up the rise to the tape and got on terms close home and went on to score her 31st victory by a couple of lengths. My Girl ran well to take with the others well strung out behind. Habana was fourth, Freebie fifth and Dizzee Rascal sixth.
In the maiden trail, five hounds had begun to draw away going through the bottoms. Eden Roberta led from Brad the Lad, Grange Moss, Wattmore and Meadow Patch and over the top there was still a quintet but Meadow had dropped out and was replaced by Glen River. Brad the Lad led all the way down the trod ahead of Eden Roberta and Grange Moss and he drew away coming out of the dip and strolled clear to triumph easily in the end much to the delight of Tracey. A red rosette and a lovely huge trophy being the perfect hangover cure after a night out with the Irish contingent! Well done Tracey! Eden Roberta took second place with Grange Moss third, the ever consistent Wattmore fourth and Glen River fifth.
There was a ten strong field for the pups and going through the bottoms there was all to play for with all ten in a nice line. Coming over the top and the leading bunch had been reduced to three, Border River just led into sight but was passed by Nike coming down the trod and Tiagress was tucked in just behind. Poker Face was a few yards adrift in fourth a similar distance ahead of Ooh La La! and Betty Boo. Out of the dip and Nike and Border River were closely matched, the two hounds had a tremendous battle all the way to the line with Nike narrowly taking the spoils for Joe and Nessa to register her sixth win of the season. Tiagress put in another sound performance to take third and the others finished in the order that they had shown.
Next up were the open restricted and a good field of fourteen lined up to take their chance. Going through the bottoms and Martaura had stolen a march having established a hundred yards or more on Kingdom who in turn was clear of Cavendish who was clear of the rest. However, over the top into sight and they had bunched right up. Cavendish led down with what we assumed was Kingdom and Martaura in second and third but coming through the last gate it turned out to be Sparrowmire Jill and Beyonce. (It must be contagious David - Specsavers will be doing good trade at this rate!!) Emma and Robert's charge finished really well and pulled away to win her first open restricted in good style with Beyonce taking second and Cavendish third. Tranquility took fourth place, Nemesis fifth and Cracking Thore sixth.
In the veteran trail, Some Girl led through the bottoms but there were still plenty in with chances and both Ms Dynamite and Sophisticated Lady were up with the pace at this point. Over the top and heading for the finish and there was a group of four. Ms Dynamite was in front but Eden Rusty, Sophisticated and Lambrini were hot on her heels. Out of the dip and onto the final straight and it looked as though Ms Dynamite was going to comfortably take the spoils but she hesitated nearing the tape and had a look for her rivals and this allowed Sophisticated to get back on terms and come through and take the spoils. Lambrini finished well for Gill to take third with Eden Rusty fourth. Seven Up was fifth and Some Girl sixth.
Saturday 23 October
A mainly fine but bitterly cold day at Buttermere Show but good crack all the same, it seems that at this time of the year everyone savours each fixture and the good company knowing that another long winter is just ahead.
A good field of senior runners and a few of us went down the valley to watch them come through behind the fell wall and climb up onto the top at Lorton. The early lead was shared between Sundown and The Penny Arcade but fourteen of the fifteen runners remained closely grouped and it was Cinnabar that took the lead going up the fell just ahead of Matador and Amy Jo. Comment was made on the way back to the trail field that Molly Malone must be worth a wager from here as closely bunched as they were and knowing her capabilities on the second half of a trail. Unfortunately I never took my own advice and when they came into view on the finish, three hounds had a few yards. Matador led from the afore-mentioned Molly Malone and Amy Jo and dropping in Molly Malone came to the front and ran on well to record her eleventh win by a few lengths. At one point it looked as though a kennel 1-2 was on the cards but Matador rallied gamely in the closing stages to get back past Amy Jo and take second place. Top Man ran a good race to take fourth place for Billy Birkett and Mayfair made late ground to take fifth just ahead of Sparrowmire Jill which pipped Sunshine for sixth.
Sweet Pea was well fancied in the maiden trail on the strength of her recent good runs in senior trails and sure enough when they set off she was blazing the trail. We never went out to watch these so the next view was of them coming on the trod onto the finish and by now ten hounds had pulled clear. Quiet Swift led into sight ahead of Bushie, Birkby Tan, Sweet Pea and Nutmeg but the others were closely tucked in behind and a bunch finish developed. Nutmeg took the lead close home and looked all over the winner but she ran a bit wide and this allowed the others to get back on terms. In the end the Church family's Birkby Tan just got up to take the spoils ahead of Bushie and Sweet Pea with Nutmeg taking fourth.
Just a small field of seven pups but a good race on paper all the same and the reality didn't disappoint. They have a stiff climb right out to the top of the fell which takes them at least five minutes and all the way up, James & Steven's pair Pot Look and Da Look were prominent but all of them were still in contention when they eventually breached the skyline. Coming onto the finish and all seven were in a line. Altanic led from Pot Look, Colourful and Momentum but Colourful didn't enjoy the rough and dropped back through the field. Momentum, in contrast seemed to love it and dropping in Christine's charge came to the front and led Altanic until about the last fifty yards. At this point he beared across to his right and this gave Altanic the advantage and the Dog Produce winner ran on well to earn his seventh win by a few yards. Pot Look just took third ahead of True Blue with Da Look fifth and Colourful finishedw ell to deny Quiet Lass for sixth.
The puppy maiden trail was won by Graham & Julie Burkinshaw's Kingdom and it is a testament to this hounds ability as his winning time was forty seconds faster than the open pups. The youngster took the lead right from the off and although Fortitude was pushing him all the way up the climb, when they came into sight on the finish, he was back in front closely pursued by Quiet Bullfinch and Fortitude and these three had a few yards on their rivals. Dropping in and Kingdom kept his advantage but the others pushed him all the way to the line and in the end he just held on to narrowly beat Fortitude, which finished really well for the Crosby's and young Courtney with Bullfinch close up in third. Morning Service took fourth just ahead of Big Mac with Whitrigg Quine taking sixth.
Wednesday 20 October
Thank you David for this report:
A beautiful sunny Autumn day at Helton, but an icy breeze to remind us Winter is just around the corner.
Old dogs first and thirteen made their way to the slip, and not surprisingly Huntsmans Dazzler was made odds on favourite. There was bright sunlight on the fell making viewing difficult, and dropping in it was reported two were well clear. Onto the finish and there was still only two, a white coloured hound and a dark backed dog with a white shoulder. Of course it had to be Dazzler didn't it? We were guessing what was second, it had to be Cavendish or My Girl from a distance. "You can have evens Cavendish" eagle eyed Big Bri challenged me as he got the first good view of them crossing the road, so it could only be My Girl. A good race ensued up the finish, with the white hound gaining the lead close home, but dropping it's snout just before the line allowing My Girl to get back up in a thrilling finish, and it was only then we realised it wasn't the favourite at all, but the seemingly improving all the time Dynajet 08! (Yes, I know Lynn, get to Specsavers!) Sunshine is the model of consistency on open running and finished third, with Cavendish winning a three way battle for fourth from Sundown in fifth and Habana sixth.
Maidens next, and from a very early stage it was reported two were absolutely on their own, but seeing was poor so again we were down to assumption, surely Brad the Lad and Canavaro seeing as they both had colour? Onto the finish and indeed it was two well clear, but surprisingly one of them was NOT Brad, it was Canavaro just ahead of Eden Roberta, up the long slog up the hill and "Ted" ran on really well and never looked like being pegged back to win by about five yards, Roberta is running really well at the moment and was a clear second, with the Wildings Glen River coming home a clear third, with a long gap back to Eden River, Sovereign and Brad the Lad.
In the pups I feared there was no way out for the bookies and this proved to be the case. The all in bookie priced up Enoch at 4-6, I went without Enoch and Border River and laid evens Jackie Boy, and the other bookie went without all three and priced Tiagress at evens, we were all doomed! Four dropped in, and I thought I had a chance as Tiagress was second, but out of the dip the first three in the betting had taken command, and in a good finish Reg Bells in form Enoch prevailed by about half a length from Jackie Boy, with Border River no more than a short head away in third, Tiagress was a few yards behind in fourth, well clear of Endurance in fifth and Nike sixth.
Restricted last up, with several dogs being well backed, particularly the old timer Lofty, who has excellent form at the venue over the years. Dropping off the fell it was reported one was well clear, and the guessing game began again in the poor viewing, surely Lofty? Onto the finish and the game was given away by the distinctive tail carriage, it had been Shifter all along and she strolled up the finish well clear, just getting over the line before putting in a wheelie, but she still got over a second time nicely clear of Tranquility, who in turn was well clear of the Jones' Sunlight in third, Lofty was back in fourth, the well backed Spot On fifth and Negress sixth.
It wasn't all gloom for Dazzlers connections, as Denise picked up a handsome trophy for his endeavours at the venue over the season, well done to Denise, Dennis, Jenny and of course Glen.
Tuesday 19 October
An early finish at work and off to Gatesgarth, Buttermere for a four trail meet. The weather was cold but fine and in the senior trail thirteen hounds took their chance. Della set the early pace and soon had Sweet Pea and her kennelmate Desire for company and going round the basin they were joined by Amy Jo and Cinnabar. Dropping into the bottom to where they join onto the pup trail and Cinnabar, Desire and Amy Jo had begun to draw away from the others. We went to the road to watch and by the time we got there they were already approaching the crossing. At this point Desire had pulled clear of the others and she climbed out the other side well for a long way, maintaining her advantage. Amy Jo gave chase and got on terms by the time they had reached the top and these two were now well clear. Coming over the top onto the finish and they still had a good lead, Della showed third with Sweet Pea fourth and the favourite Molly Malone fifth. On this occasion, Molly Malone had left herself too much to do and although she made ground dropping in only managed to take third place. The lead alternated between Desire and Amy Jo all the way day but once in the bottom, Desire asserted and went on score her seventh win in good style. Della ran on to take fourth place with Sweet Pea fifth and Cinnabar was back in sixth.
In the eleven strong senior maiden trail, laal Gordon's Quiet Swift led going out but they remained quite closely grouped and it was Jim Bob Batty and Co's Farmer that led in out of sight off the first half. Alan & Debbie O'Brien's Waltzing Matilda took the lead climbing out and at one point had quite a good lead but when they came over the top there were plenty in with chances and it was Farmer that again came to the fore wth the Church's Birkby Tan and the Reid & Blenkharn's Sparrowmire Jill for company. Farmer made a hash of the fell gate. dropping back and Sparrowmire took the initaitive here and once in front, ran on very well to take the spoils ahead of Birkby Tan with Tony Jackson's pair Ellie Vee and Bushie coming through to take third and fourth. Farmer eventaully took fifth and Nutmeg was sixth.
In the pups, the new champion Westgate Gypsy, provided the perfect remedy for Sarah (ha ha!) when putting in another very impressive display. The bitch hound took the lead climbing out after the road and pulled further and further clear throughout the remainder of the trail to beat the Steele's consistent Colourful which in the end was also clear of Steven & James' Da Look. The Dog Produce winner Altanic just got up to beat Pot Look on the line for fourth and Poker Face was sixth.
Last but not least the puppy maidens and coming through above the trail field, the Crosby's Fortitude was leading the way with the Burkinshaw's Kingdom for company and these two occupied the principle places all the way round. Coming over the top, the pair had the Tinnion & Steele's Quiet Bullfinch for company and these three had pulled clear. Fortitude led all the way down and ran on well in the closing stages to beat Kingdom by a couple of lengths with Bullfinsh a similar distance adrift in third. Whitrigg Quine finished fourth for Andy Anderson and Les Hudson & Jeanette Irving's pair Morning Service and Big Mac took fifth and sixth.
Monday 18 October
Apologies to David as this report ended up in my Spam box: Better late than never as they say!
There is probably no worse place to be weatherwise than Snow Hill when it's blowing a gale and raining, and that was the case last night as we endured an icy gale and heavy showers, but some exciting trailing.
In the old dogs the new champ Darling was sent off at 1-3 favourite, and was always at the fore, coming through at half way she was in front with Dizzee Rascal for company, these a few yards clear of the grand veteran Sophisticated Lady and Matador. By the time they dropped onto the finish it was raining, but there were a few dogs with chances, and as they got to the wall end Darling made her familiar gear change to go clear, but remarkably one dog emerged from the group and went with her, these two stretching clear of the rest, this dog was Dynajet 08, and he stuck to Darling all the way up the run in, and although always the likely winner, the champ just couldn't shake him off, and had to work really hard to beat him by about ten yards. I think credit is due to the owners of Dynajet for having faith in him, as he seems to be one of the most improved hounds in training. Connections have caught me twice in maiden races in recent weeks and last night he showed what he's capable of having some decent dogs in behind him. Sunshine ran on well to claim third from Sophisticated Lady, Dizzee rascal ran another good race in fifth, with Matador claiming sixth ticket.
The pups only had a small field, and there isn't much running better than Enoch at the moment, but you may remember Border River was unlucky at the big trails here, and with the ever consistent Blackbird in the field, it was a tasty contest. Coming onto the finish it was just four dogs with a chance, Border River, De La Hoya, Enoch and Blackbird. Border River was doing all the work, although Enoch stumbled at a crucial stage and seemed to lose her chance. Up the lung busting finish and Border River still led, with first De La Hoyas coming to challenge, then Blackbird and finally Enoch with a late surge. From where we were on the hill everybody to a man, and I mean everybody without exception thought Border River had prevailed, but as we keep saying, you have to be on the line, and after consulting the camera, it was apparent that Enoch had got up by a short head. Those that had been paid on Border River all in had to pay back their money and we all shook our heads in disbelief, but judge Baz offered up the video evidence to disgruntled punters, and as they say, the camera never lies, and everybody was then satisfied it was the correct call. Border River collected second ticket with Blackbird third, De la Hoya fourth, a gap back to Nike in fifth and Waver Rock in sixth.
It was still raining as they slipped the restricted hounds, and it was a competetive field, viewing wasn't great but as they emerged out of the gloom two had broken clear, Martaura had about thirty yards on Mang Nix and these two had an unassailable lead. Martaura held the advantaghe all the way to the bottom of the hill, but after setting such a fast pace, her legs grew weary up the stiff climb, and Mang Nix asserted half way up the run in to win going away. Eden Roberta finished well to claim third spot with Top Man right behind in fourth, Lambrini fifth and De Ja Vu sixth.
A great nights sport, but was I glad to get in the car and get the heater on!
Sunday 17 October
Thank ypu to David for his report:
It was mentioned in the pub at half time that all Sunday trails should be at Bower House, such was the crack in there at half time. I absolutely love Sunday trailing, but I wish folk would realise there can only be one meeting.
Pups first up again, and as I said in my previous report from this venue, I thought Tiagress had been a close third dropping in before running off. There was to be no doubt this time as she dropped down the fell with a huge lead, and she strolled home unchallenged, with a great race for second third and fourth, with Da Look proving the stronger by about a length from Medwyn and a similar distance back to Jackie Boy. Bingo was fifth and Night Spirit sixth.
A small field of Pup maidens and the majority of the field had run the day before, but thast made little difference to Ed and Lisa Crosby's Temperance who if anything had an even bigger lead than Tiagress in the previous race, she gave her many supporters a few palpatations by stopping at the final gate and cheekily turning and looking to see where the opposition was, she stood there for a while before contemptuously strolling home when no pursuer could be seen. The Puddle Jumper pulled away from Fortitude on the run in with Romulous coming home in fourth, Miss Idaho fifth and Mitredale Johns Lass in sixth.
A good race in the restricted with three dogs heavily backed, namely Shifter, Amy Jo and Newtown Clover. Spud Murphys charge led going out, and once again we were to have a hound dropping in well clear as the advantage was increased dramatically by the time they dropped in and another very easy winner strolled home. It was a good race for second between Negress and the consistent Legal Beagle, with Negress asserting close home. Amy Jo was fourth, Shifter fifth and Langdale Smiler sixth.
The last race saw Huntsmans Dazzler at long odds on, but as they approach the drop in at halfway I noticed at least one hound wrong in the brackens, dropping down in the wrong place and climbing back up losing a lot of ground. I couldn't get a clear look at it, but it wasn't dissimilar to Alles Springs. As they dropped through the gate it was Cinnabar leading with Sweet Pea hot on her heels, they had a nice break on the chasing pack. Through the bottoms and onto the fell and Cinnabar was now well clear of Sweet Pea, who was in turn clear of Miss Molly and Habana, with Dazzler and Newtown Ghost chasing them. Onto the finish and Cinnabar was still nicely clear with Sweet Pea still going after her, Dazzler had made good ground into third and dropped in well as he does, but he couldn't bridge the gap this time and Cinnabar became the fourth easy winner of the day, with Sweet Pea comfortably holding Dazzler off in second. She's obviously better than a maiden, but for whatever reason she doesn't seem to run to her best in that grade but often reminding us of what she's capable of in the senior ranks. Habana ran a sound race in fourth, Miss Molly a rather disappointing fifth for her supporters and Newtown Ghost running another good race in sixth.
Saturday 16 October
All roads led to Lorton today and there was a good turn out of hounds, enthiusiasts, bookmakers and unfortunately midges! Evil little biffers, Heidi and Baz both tried to assist with repellant spray but I think it was encouraging them and not repelling them. How can something so small be so vicious..............
There was a good class field of twenty seniors and Molly Malone took the lead coming through the fell off the first half closely pursued by Desire, Matador, Darling, Velvet, Sunshine and Sundown and these seven had stolen a few yards on the rest of the field. From here there is a stiff climb out of sight and the next time you see them from the trail field is when they are heading for the finish and by this time Velvet had taken the initiative from Darling and Molly Malone and these three had a nice lead over Della, Desire and Sunshine. The leading trio maintained this advantage as they came to drop in and from here Velvet and Darling drew away from Molly and coming back into sight the pair were set to have a good race to the line. However, Darling was hampered by a fence crossing the beck into the last field and Velvet strolled home to record her eleventh win in very good style. Brian & John must be very proud of their three year old, she is in tremendous form and this was her ninth win from her last ten outings. Molly malone ran on to take third place and she was clear of Mayfair who had been seventh dropping in and came through to take fourth just ahead of Della and Sunshine in fifth and sixth.
The senior maiden trail attracted the biggest slip of the day with 27 hounds lining up to take their chance. Coming into sight and Cannavaro was leading them a merry dance and the Askam based four year old gained a lead of fifty yards or more coming through above the trail field. At this point, Quiet Swift, Eden Roberta and Meadow Patch were in pursuit. Coming off the top heading for home and five hounds were clear. Roulette was in front and dropped like a stone, taking a hundred yards out of the field by the time she hit the bottom. Quiet Swift and Eden Roberta went second and third in out of sight with Wattmore, Meadow Patch and Brad the Lad also in contention. Onto the finish and Roulette still led but they had bunched up and Meadow Patch, a notably good finisher looked the biggest danger in third place. However, Roulette got a good run at the beck and raced through in great style to win by fifteen yards. Brad the Lad (who had gone in fifth) also took a good line and came out second ahead of Meadow Patch with Quiet Swift fourth, Eden Roberta fifth and Wattmore sixth.
The puppy trail was a nervous affair for both Susan and Sarah as Westgate Gypsy needed just one more win to sew up the junior championship title. As it happened they needn't have worried as the youngster put in a flawless performance, living up to her potential and strolling home to score her 20th win very easily. Well done Sarah your Grandad would've been very very proud. Gypsy took the lead from an early stage and pulled clear climbing round the basin, the bitch hound never faltered from here and won impressively from Jacob McClink, Pot Look, Altanic, Colourful and Quiet Lass. Westgate Gypsy has earned her place at the top of the championship (well done Mel) but I'm sure both Susan and Sarah would agree that it's a shame that Angel has suffered as she has with her confidence over the last three or four months as she is also a top class bitch.
Last but not least the puppy maidens and the current leader in the HTA points contest, Temperance drove them all the way out with Kingdom and The Puddle Jumper going with the early pace. When they came off the back fell, eight of the nine runners were still in contention, but the Crosby pair Temperance and Fortitude were leading the way just ahead of Kingdom and Momentum. Coming onto the finish and Temperance still had the initiative from Kingdom and the Whitehaven youngster negotiated the beck best of all and came into the last field with a good lead, however she wasn't happy in front and hesitated, letting Momentum through to take the lead. From here Christine's charge finished well and went on to score by a few lengths, Temperance once headed ran on again to take second with Quiet Bullfinch third and Fortitude fourth. Kingdom lost alot of ground at the last obstacle and only took fifth with The Puddle Jumper sixth.
Wednesday 13 October
Thank you to David for his report:
An early start at Bower House, but a good crowd turned out for this popular venue, overcast, a cool breeze but pleasant enough.
Pups were first up, and surprisingly Medwyn was made favourite. It's a tricky course, and those that have been round have a distinct advantage, the likes of Medwyn, Altanic and Jackie Boy, as far as I could remember, hadn't. They went out well grouped, but that's the last we see of them until they appear on the long finish, and when they reappeared Da Look had a healthy advantage over two others. Da Look is easy to tell this side on and was chased by a dark backed dog, possibly Medwyn but I'm not sure and I originally thought the third dog might be Tiagress, but Romulus has a mark in the middle of his back this side on rather similar, the finishing places suggest it might have been him. The reason I am not sure, is that the second and third ran on as Da Look dropped down the trod, that and the fact that my eyesight is poor as Lynn keeps reminding me. Through the last gate and onto the finish Da Look had maintained the clear advantage, and from closer range it was Romulus a clear second, with Altanic running a great race first time round in third, the same being said for Jackie Boy and Medwyn in fourth and fifth. True Blues owner Brian said he was a long way back going out, so he has run remarkably well to get up to sixth.
Next up was the restricted, and again they were well grouped going out, and back onto the finish it was Boreas that led, but plenty with chances tucked in behind, including Amy Jo and Newtown Clover. Towards the last gate it looked like Kingdom might win, but he ran off and put in a wheelie, leaving kennelmate Boreas and Amy Jo to fight it out with Newtown Clover, Lady Anna Ryans and Celtic Spirit chasing hard. Amy Jo held on to win from Boreas and Clover, Kingdom was fourth, Celtic Spirit fifth and Denial sixth. Lady Anna Ryans was among the minor tickets but was disqualified for alleged interference.
The old dogs saw Huntsmans Dazzler go off odds on ( a rather generous 1-2 with me), and he led coming through at halfway, by about twenty yards dropping in which had extended to a hundred climbing onto the fell, although the in form Cinnabar had him in his sights, with Miss Molly a further fifty behind her, and a long gap back to the chasing Newtown Ghost, bad news for me as I had also laid Molly without three to what seemed like everybody on the field! Onto the finish and Dazzler had a good lead, and although Cinnabar appeared to close the gap dropping in, Dazzler would have an even bigger lead over the railtrack, and he won comfortably from Cinnabar with Miss Molly another long way behind her, and she in turn was well clear of Newtown Ghost, who was also nicely clear of Hot Flush. The seventh dog caught my eye, but seeing as the owner likes a punt I'll say nowt, a long way behind but had ran on well from halfway.
The day started off so well for me having Romulus as my winner, but results then conspired against me to ensure it was the punters who went home happy and my bookmaking colleague would fare no better, I'm sure it's the punters and not the bookies who fancy their chances this coming Sunday. The TV cameras were there, and were treat to a grand spectacle of trailing in this beautiful valley. Escape to the country? We don't have to, I'm sure we all feel blessed to live in the area and pursue our favourite sport in this god given countryside. Well said David!
Monday 11 October
Another absolutely glorious autumn afternoon and a four trail meeting at Grange-in-Borrowdale. First up were the seniors and Brian & John Graham's Velvet put in another sparkling performance leading just about all the way and recording her tenth win of the season in comfortable style. Coming through the top and heading for the half way point of the trail, Velvet had Cinnabar for company and these two were clear of Della, Maylfy and Mayfair which in turn were clear of the rest. The low afternoon sun meant you couldn't see them coming round the basin and through the fell heading for the finish but when they did come into sight, Velvet had a good lead over Mayfair and Mayfly with Cinnabar fourth and Della fifth and this was how they finished, this quintet having by now pulled a long way clear of Molly Malone in sixth.
In the puppy race, Andy Anderson's Whitrigg Quine blazed the trail for a long time going out with Altanic, Jacob McClink and Westgate Gypsy close in behind. Coming round the corner and the Loan family's Jacob had taken the advantage ahead of Temperance, the favourite Westgate Gypsy and Jackie Boy and these four had stolen a march on the rest. From here Jacob was never headed. Despite the best efforts of both Temperance and Gypsy, the dog hound stuck in gamely and he finished well to maintain a couple of lengths all the way to the line and take his tally for the season to 11. Gypsy took second with Jackie Boy third and Temperance fourth and Colourful came through to take fifth place ahead of Altanic.
The open maiden trail was marred when much to our horror, a visitor who was descending the trod where the hounds climb out to the fell, began to beat the hounds with his walking poles as they passed him going up. He struck most of them and turned one or two back and so in the melee I never saw what led out at the top of the fell once they got themselves going again. Needless to say the culprit was reprimanded when he reached the bottom of the trod and his excuses are not worth publishing. Fortunately there seemed to be no physical damage to any of the hounds but who knows how it will have affected them especially the ones that came back.
Back to the action....when they appeared coming round the corner and into the basin, Heidi Messenger & John Grisedale's Roulette was leading the way from the McClean, Metcalfe & Lyon's Wattmore and these two pulled clear of Sweet Pea and Park Top as they made their way through towards the finish. At this point Connie was fifth and Momentum quite a bit back in sixth but the last named made hand over fist dropping in and got himself right back into contention. Roulette and Wattmore had a good race up the last field but Roulette always had the upperhand and ran on well to win by a couple of lengths. Sweet Pea just held on to take third ahead of the fast finishing Momentum and Connie just got up to beat Park Top for sixth.
In the open restricted, Deja Vu trained by Christine Brownlee rounded off a good couple of days for owners the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell partners when winning with ease. The four year old took the lead coming round the basin and pulled further and further clear coming through the fell to beat Eden Rusty and Shifter, which had a good race for second and third by a hundred yards. The Legal Beagle was fourth clear of Tranquility and Ivy Crag in fifth and sixth.
Sunday 10 October
Today's action took place at Haverigg and Jim Bob, Norman & Geoff did a grand job as there were five good trails. In the senior trail, three hounds stole an early march heading out into the fields towards Silecroft namely Desire, Jet Rose and Habana and they maintained this advantage throughout the remainder of the trail. Coming off the first half and back into view and the trio were closely grouped but Desire and Habana began to draw away heading out on the shore and when they came onto the finish they had left Jet Rose. After a good race, Desire asserted in the closing stages and went on to score her sixth win by a couple of lengths. Jet Rose plugged on to take third place for a delighted Roly and Brenda and Dizzee Rascal, Hunter's Lane and Pot Look claimed the minor tickets.
The open maiden trail was contested over the longer distance and six of the eight runners were together heading away from us on the first half. Coming past the field and the leading bunch had been reduced to four. Shady Lady led from Denial, Red Pike and Davina with Jealousy and Sovereign chasing on behind. When they showed on the finish there were three with winning chances and it was Davina that finished best of all, pulling clear to beat Shady Lady by fifteen yards or so and completing a winning double for the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's partners. Sovereign had made ground to take third place with Jealousy fourth and Red Pike the only finisher in fifth.
There was a small field of just six pups and the favourite, Da Look made a miss in the early stages and had a lot to do as they went past adjacent to the trail field. At this point, Poker Face took the lead from Delahoya, Wreckless Wren and Sierra Sue. When they came onto the finish there was a group of four and it looked as though Da Look was going to take the spoils but Poker Face produced a very good foot and came through late to force a photo finish and the pair could not be separated so a dead heat was declared. Delahoya ran well to take third with Night Spirit fourth and Sierra Sue and Wreckless Wren were fifth and sixth respectively.
Cavendish put in a very impressive driving display in the nineteen strong open restricted. The Petersen & Oldcorn's two year old led them a merry dance and had Martaura and Shifter for company going along the side of the fence. However, when they came onto the finish the dog hound had pulled right away and he strolled to his second success in this grade within the period of a week. Boreas ran well to take second place with the winners kennelmate Team Spirit third, Snow Peak fourth, Newtown Clover fifth and Shifter sixth.
Sophisticated Lady wrapped up the veteran championship and became the third hound to earn back to back titles in this grade when winning her seventh trail of the season at this level, so congratulations to all her connections. The popular seven year old was prominent throughout the race and got the better of Calzaghe to narrowly take the spoils. Ms Dynamite was third and The Real Bandit fourth and this quartet had pulled clear of Seven Up which in turn was clear of Magic Bay.
Saturday 9 October
Another lovely day weatherwise and off on the long but worthwhile journey to Wasdale Show. A large crowd gathered to watch the finishes particularly for the first two trails, I almost had to fight my way back to the van after catching Della but it is all very good publicity for the sport and these occasions are very important just for this reason. I spoke with several people who had been at Eskdale Show as well and had really enjoyed the spectacle and one couple were moved to tears by the experience as they could see how much the hounds actually love what they do. Seeing our sport through outsiders eyes puts into context what we take for granted. Our sport is something to be treasured and we must do whatever it takes to preserve it. So let us stop focusing on the negative and concentrate on the positive. Onwards and Upwards!!!!
Back to the action.......
First up were the seniors and there was a good class field of fourteen. Denis Peare & Jackie Gill's Cinnabar took an early lead but because of the sun (not that I'm complaining) viewing wasn't brilliant and it wasn't easy picking hounds out on either side of the valley. Three hounds were pulling clear at this point, namely Cinnabar, Matador and Amy Jo but when they had crossed the valley bottom and came into view on the other side there were plenty of hounds back in contention. As they came through opposite the trail field, Cinnabar was back in front and at one point had a good lead but as they progressed through the fell, another hound which I think was Molly Malone got on terms and going away from us these two had a good advantage over Amy Jo, No Chance, Miss Molly, Mayfair and Della. Coming onto the finish and Cinnabar had pulled clear by some fifty yards and this lead proved crucial in the end. No Chance, Molly Malone and Amy Jo were giving chase and these three had a few yards on Miss Molly, Mayfair and Della. Across the lonning and into the last field and Cinnabar's lead had been reduced but the Little Langdale bitch had enough in hand to beat No Chance, which ran a great race for Terence and Co and Amy Jo quite comfortably. Della produced a very good turn of foot to beat Miss Molly by a couple of lengths for fourth place and Mayfair took sixth.
In the maidens, twelve took their chance and six of them got a good lead almost straight away as the others got distracted in the lonning shortly after the slip. However, most of them had bunched back up again by the time they came back into sight coming through the fell. At this point, Cliff Donaldson's Harmony was leading the way and I would say she led for most of the way after that. As they came into view opposite the trail field, three hounds had stolen march, namely Harmony, Quiet Swift and Ellie Vee but Delete, Hot as Hell and Gifted continued to make ground all the time and by the time they turned onto the finish, Harmony still led from Ellie Vee but Gifted now looked like the danger. However, Harmony had other ideas and much to Cliff's delight she ran on gamely to repeat last years success in this event in good style. Charlotte was chuffed with Gifted who came through to take second place just ahead of Ellie Vee with Delete fourth, Hot as Hell fifth and Quiet Swift sixth.
A small field of just five in the pups but nevertheless a good race ensued and I thought John Palmer's Medwyn put in a tremendous performance considering she never ran at the August fixture. Going through the fell, the puppy champion elect Westgate Gypsy and Medwyn had a tremendous battle with nothing seperating the pair. Dropping in at the far end and 'Gypsy' gained a lead of fifty yards or more but when they came back into sight heading for the finish, Medwyn was back on terms and took the lead again. However, coming into the bottoms, Medwyn had a little difficulty negotiating the walls and this proved costly in the end as Gypsy pulled clear and in the end triumphed by twenty yards and as a result moved level with the Donaldson's Angel at the top of the championship table with 19 wins. The look on Sarah's face was a picture, well done Sarah!
In the puppy maidens, there were nine runners and most of them were still in contention as they came into sight coming through the fell. As they progressed four began to pull away. The Crosby's Fortitude did all the driving closely followed by Lady Ryans Anna and Les & Jeanette's pair Big Mac and Morning Service. Turning onto the finish and the leading two drew away and jumping inti the last field the pair were closely matched. They ran behind the catchers and Fortitude just took the spoils but was later disqualified for alleged interference. Lady Anna Ryans was promoted to first with Big Mac second and Morning Service third and these were clear of Momentum and Quiet Bullfinch which had a good race for fourth and fifth with Miss Idaho taking sixth for Georgia Naylor.
Thursday 7 October
A gloriously warm sunny afternoon at Keswick's Old Golf Course venue. There were four good trails and Baz had his work cut out with the camera as there were some desperately close finishes. Also I think we should have a whip round for David Howson to go to Specsavers....his eyesight just isn't what it used to be...........!!!!
First up were the seniors and nine hounds lined up to take their chance. As they came into view on the fell after a few minutes running, the hot favourite Velvet had a few yards lead over Huntsman's Chance with Huntsman's Dazzler and Desire not too far behind in third and fourth and this quartet had pulled away from Mayfly and Della. From here they go into MIllbeck ghyll and out of sight fior a while and when they came back into view having climbed out, Desire had established quite a good lead over the two Huntsman's and Velvet had dropped back to sixth position. Going through the fell and Dazzler got back on terms with Desire and from here these two pulled further clear as they progressed.' Chance' was clear in third place but Velvet was now making ground and had made good progress heading for the top of Latrigg. Coming off the top and Dazzler led by ten yards or so from Desire and Velvet was not too far behind in third. This was how they came out of the brackens into the second last field and Desire finished well to just get up in the final strides and beat Dazzler by a length. Velvet took third ahead of Molly Malone with Mayfly in fifth and Della in sixth.
Another small but select field in the pups and another good race ensued. The lead alternated between the puppy champion elect Westgate Gypsy and Altanic as they went onto the fell and these two drew away from the others as they headed for Latrigg. Coming off the top these two were still clear and it was Altanic that had the initiative. The Dog Produce winner still had a few yards as they jumped out into the fields. Once the whistles went on 'Gypsy' rallied well and got back on terms but jumping the last fence, Altanic again got the advantage and looked as if he was going to take the spoils but a last gasp effort by Gypsy forced a photo finish and consultation with the camera revealed a dead heat, the second of the season between this pair. Poker Face came through to take third place just ahead of kennelmate Colourful with Jacob McClink close up in fifth and Colleen took sixth.
In the open maiden trail, twelve of the fifteen runners were still in contention as they went out of sight on the back fell and it developed into another desperately close finish and in the end resulted in the same 1-2-3 as last Wednesday. The Crosby family's Temperance and the Burkinshaw's Kingdom were closely matched all the way down the finish and many thought it was another dead heat but Baz looked in camera and the first named had just got up to win. The victor's kennelmate Fortitude was close behind in third place with Wattmore fourth, The Legal Beagle fifth and Nutmeg sixth.
Three hounds stole a march in the open restricted namely Shifter, Boreas and Tranquility and coming off the top, Shifter who had run a good race at Grayrigg for a long way, had pulled clear of the others. Turning for home and Tranquility had made good headway and once the whistles went on she got back on terms with the leader. Coming to the final fence, Tranquility was forced to run wide by some cows and Shifter again got a few yards advantage. This proved enough in the end and the Little Langdale bitch went on to win by a couple of lengths. Boreas ran on to take third place clear of Eden Rusty which in turn was clear of Honesty and Deja Vu.
Wednesday 6 October
Thank you to Dave for his report
Squally showers and high winds subsided to give a pleasant if not rather chilly aftyernoon at Scawthwaite.
In the seniors Darling was sent off at odds on 1-2 favourite, but once again it was Westgate Kyza blazing the trail, and dropping off the fell he and Darlings kennelmate My Girl had developed a useful lead, with one of the lookalikes Cinnabar or Darling third, the other not among them, Dennis tells me it was his, they look very much alike from distance, I'm not going to dispute that. Onto the finish and Kyza and My Girl were still clear, but the other white 'un had joined the chasing pack, but too far back to challenge the first two. My Girl finished fast and closed the gap on Kyza, but the line came in time and Kyza held on by about half a length, Darling ran on well to take third, with Cinnabar taking fourth (I had first three in the box, ouch!) Top Man fifth and Amy Jo sixth.
Another small puppy field and Enoch was sent off even money favourite. They were closely grouped all the way around but coming onto the finish Enoch and the extremely consistent Blackbird had opened up a gap of about thirty yards on Da Look and Nike. Out of the dip and Blackbird led by a few yards, but Enoch showed an impressive turn of foot to quicken past again and win nicely. Da Look was third, Nike fourth, True Blue fifth and Lady Agenda sixth.
A competetive maiden race, and it was reported that some hounds got in the wrong field behind the farm and four got away, onto the finish and four were indeed clear, Sweet Pea leading the charge from Birkby Tan, Bingo and Barncroft Secret. It was a terrific tustle to the line, with Barncroft Secret finishing best of all to take a narrow lead approaching the line and running on strongly, but alas ran behind the judges, giving Baz little choice but to judge the hounds in front of him as to the letter of the law, thus awarding the race to Bingo, with Birkby Tan second and Sweet Pea third. Guess who'd backed Barncroft at 5-1 without three? I never even got my place money as it could only be judged fourth. No Bother led in the next group in fifth, followed by Run Don't Walk.
The veterans was another competetive race, champion Sophisticated Lady being sent off even money favourite. Linsdale and The Real Bandit opened up a lead going out, but behind the farm the race concerned just four dogs, Lofty who had taken up the running, followed by Lady, Lambrini and The Bandit. I fancied Lambrini from here and backed her at 2-1, and all looked good onto the finish as she led into view, but instead of turning in she ran on....and on, and on! This left Lofty in front, and he dropped in well opening up a gap on Lady, Lambrini appeared back into view about 100 yards to their left and had lost her chance, I still thought Lady might peg Lofty back up the hill, but Lofty had enough to spare and would win by about a length, Lambrini finished third and The Bandit fourth, with a gap back to Linsdale and Pursuit.
Monday 4 October
The Westmorland Classic was staged for the second consecutive season at Grayrigg Hall near Kendal and the six trail meeting went off without a hitch and was a credit to the trails manager, Ian Bell and his team. Good weather, competitive races and good viewing all combined to make a very enjoyable afternoons sport.
Brian & John Graham's Velvet again demonstrated her well being in the senior trail and was forcing the pace throughout. When they came into view on the back fell, the three year old was in front with Della for company and at this stage they were beginning to get strung out. Dropping in for the finish and Velvet was still prominent along with Dizzee Rascal, Habana, Darling, Della and Sunshine and this group of six had drawn away. When they appeared for the final time, Velvet had established a decent advantage and on the uphill pull to the line she ran on well to register her ninth win and earn the Terry Bingley Memorial Trophy in very good style. Darling came through to take second place ahead of Habana and Dizzee with Sunshine not too far adrift in fith. Della had disapperaed somewhere in the bottoms and it was her kennel mate Desire that took sixth.
In the senior maiden trail a good race developed as they went through the back fell and there were still plenty in with chances as they dropped down into the fields in the closing stages. Going in out of sight, Roulette just had the initiative and the Cockermouth based bitch still led when they showed again but last years victor in this event, the Hill family's Dixie Moon was looming large and she looked all over the winner but Dynajet 08 had other ideas and produced a late burst to come through and take the spoils by about a length for Carolyn's daughter Donna and her husband Shaun Hetherington. Roulette took third with Wattmore fourth, Sparrowmire Jill fifth and Eden Roberta sixth.
In the puppy trail, Jackie Boy was in front early doors but three hounds had pulled well clear by the time they dropped in off the fell. Border River led from Colleen and Blackbird and although the chasing group made ground as they turned in for the finish the main race was only going to involve these three. Coming out of the bottom and Border River had gained what looked like a winning lead but the ever improving Colleen, who only came out third, again produced a good turn of foot and plugged on gamely to just get there at the line, taking her seventh victory by the margin of about a length. Blackbird was third and the consistent Tiagress fourth. Westgate Gypsy finished well to take fifth just ahead of Jackie Boy.
The most popular winner of the afternoon was The Puddle Jumper who triumphed in the open non winners. The big dog hound has improved steadily of late for newly weds Duncan and Amy and he was always prominent today along with litter brother Kingdom, owned by Graham & Julie Burkinshaw. Having taken the lead coming down the fields into the bottom, the Puddle Jumper came out onto the finish in second place behind Kingdom but finished well up the hill and went on to win by a couple of lengths. The Crosby's Fortitude was a similar distance adrift in third with Nemesis fourth, Connie fifth ad Miss Idaho sixth.
In the open restricted Ivor & Wendy Martin's Martaura and Denis Peare & Jackie Gill's Shifter had a good lead dropping in off the fell and although the chasing group made ground and Shifter dropped back coming in bank, Martaura still had the advantage going out of sight, with Superseven and Cavendish not far behind. Out onto the finish and Martaura had pulled away again, Superseven was still second and the Windermere five year old finished well and just got up on the line to beat Martaura who had run a little bit wide. Saturday's winner Cavendish put in another good performance to take third with My Girl fourth, Top Man fifth anmd Tranquility sixth.
Last but not least, the veterans and any one of five hounds held winning chances dropping in as a quintet had pulled well clear of the other six runners. Coming out onto the finish and it looked as though Sophisticated Lady was going to repeat last years success as she took the lead but they were baulked by some sheep in the closing stages and they bunched up allowing the favourite, Ms Dynamite to move through from fifth place and take the spoils for Russell and Wendy, much to the delight of her handler Kirsty. Calzaghe ran well to take second with Some Girl third, Eden Rusty fourth and the unlucky 'Lady' only fifth in the end.
Saturday 2 October
Off to Kirkland Leaps for the final major HTA meeting of the season and the senior trail resulted in the sixth consecutive win for Brian & John Graham's Velvet. The Bassenthwaite bitch is running out of her skin at the moment and was one of three reported to have pulled clear at the road crossing along with Alles Springs and Cinnabar. Coming off the top and dropping down onto the finish and Velvet had quite a good lead which she maintained all the way to the line to record her eighth win overall in impressive style. Victor Brownlee's Mayfair ran well to come through and take second place with the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Dazzler taking third and in doing so securing the £380 first prize in the big trail points competition. The Johnstone's Jet Rose just held off the challenge of Desire to claim fourth place and Mayfly was sixth.
Next up were the senior maidens and the veteran champion elect Sophisticated Lady was the popular winner for Peter Scott and Co. The seven year old has provided the kennel with much enjoyment over the past couple of seasons and she put in another gutsy performance, sticking in gamely on the finish to beat Heidi Messenger & John Grisedale's Roulette by a couple of lengths in a very good race. Nicola & Robyn Napier's well fancied two year old Foxparke Homeward Bound was third and these three had puled clear of their rivals. The Napier's looked set to complete a 3-4-5-6 at one point as Foxy Lady took fourth and Foxparke Blowing Wind fifth. Their other charge Foxparke Lady Margaret came into the last field in sixth place but was just outpaced in the closing stages by Charlotte Stobbart's Gifted and in the end had to settle for seventh.
A small but select field of just fourteen in the puppy trail and it was the Jackson, Loan & Smith's Colleen that set the early pace along with Lady Anna Ryans and Enoch. Going through the back fell and two hounds had pulled clear, however when they dropped in for the finish there was a bunch of four and the quartet made a very good race of it. Dot Walker's in form youngster Border River took the initiative coming off the fell into the last field and gained a few yards advantage but the other three were not far behind and from here, Colleen produced a good turn of foot, moving through from fourth place to just get up on the line and take the spoils by a short head. This was her sixth win of the campaign. Enoch took third place just ahead of Altanic in fourth and Colourful finished well to overtake Night Spirit on the run in and claim fifth.
Neil Brown & Colin Graham's Bingo put in a solid driving display in the puppy maiden trail. The Seaton dog hound took close order climbing out to the fell and had established a lead of fifty yards or so by the time they went through the back fell. Dropping down onto the finish and his lead had been reduced as Kingdom and Temperance gave chase but he never looked in danger of being beat and he pulled clear again in the last field to take the homours by twenty yards or so. Kingdom and Temperance ran on well to claim the other principle places with Ryans Lady Anna, Momentum and Delahoya taking the minor tickets.
The largest slip of the afternoon in the open restricted trail with 36 hounds taking their chance and it developed into a duel between the Petersen & Oldcorn's Cavendish and Malcolm & Ann Holmes' Sundown. Dropping down the fell and there were three hounds with a few yards, Sundown narrowly led from The Legal Beagle and Cavendish but entering the last field, Cavendish came to the front and despite the best efforts of Sundown to get back on terms, the Askam-in-Furness two year old pulled out all the stops and got the verdict in another very exciting race. Well done Jayne and a lovely early 70th bithday present for Pip! These two had pulled away from The Legal Beagle who took third with Shifter fourth, White Diamond fifth and Snow Peak sixth.
Thursday 30 September
Thank you to Dave for his report:
Another poor turnout, many probably have their priorities at the October trails at the Leaps on Saturday.
In the seniors Westgate Kyza was sent off at odds on, and was reported to be in the lead off the back fell (I never catch them dropping in, it's a big fell) with three other dogs. It's a stiff climb to the finish though, and there was six over the top onto the finish. Hunters Lane led to the "ravine", but seemed intimidated by the drop and faltered, allowing Sunshine to take the initiative, and she ran on strongly to win by about five yards from Hunters, with Kyza making ground on the leaders into third, Habana running a grand first race at the venue in fourth, Matador fifth and Dizzee Rascal sixth. If Dizzee doesn't get her head in front between now and November, it's going to be a nervous time for bookies opening up in maiden races next season! I don't think connections will be giving us many clues as to when they'll be "having a go".
In the pups, we had another odds on shot in Westgate Gypsy, but she made a mess of it coming to the ravine, and ran way off to her right trying to negotiate a way down, she wasn't in front though, Jackie Boy led, and held the advantage all the way to the line chased in by the wide running Blackbird who had come from sixth spot dropping in, and Ooh La La, these had a few yards on Endurance, Tiagress and Cracking Sunset.
There were plenty in with chances in the restricted, the heaviest backed being Cracking Thore. I was sick of climbing the hill to the finish so decided to walk down the track and watch them from the ravine, there were plenty of dogs on the finish, but dropping down the even more imposing ravine when you get close up (God that's steep) Jeff and Barbara Jones' Sunlight burst to the front, chased hard by Linsdale and Lambrini, from my viewpoint they kept going in and out of sight towards the finish, which I definitely couldn't see, but having thought Lambrini might win climbing out, it was pretty obvious that Sunlight wasn't for catching, she led every time I saw her. Linsdale held off kennelmate Lambrini for second, with Dixie Moon fourth, Meadow Izzie fifth and Cracking Thore sixth.
Glenis informs me that we go through the usual gate at the Leaps on Saturday, but the cars are to turn left into the lower field to make it easier getting out, the bookies will be situated in the normal place, see you all there.
Wednesday 29 September
Thankfully the heavy rain of the morning moved away and it was quite a warm and pleasant evening at the Old Golf Course with almost perfect viewing condidtions.
Nine seniors took their chance and Velvet kept up her winning run, again dominating the race from an early stage and scoring comfortably. The Bassenthwaite bitch had already established a good lead by the time they had gone down the bottoms and climbed onto the fell. Huntsman's Chance and Mayfly were in hot pursuit of her and these two were well clear of a trio of hounds namely Jordan's Tyke, Della and Desire. Out of sight into the first ghyll and the next time you see them is after a stiff climb and they are heading for the half way point and when they showed here the first three had bunched up. Velvet was still in front though and Mayfly had moved into second with Chance third and they were still a long way clear of the rest. This was how they finished with Velvet pulling away agin to record her seventh win and fifth on the trot by a hundred yards. Mayfly ran a blinder in second with Chance a similar distance behind in third. Desire just held off the challenge of her kennelmate Della to claim fourth and Crystal was sixth.
A small but select field of eight pups and it resulted in the tenth win of the season for Jacob McClink. Six hounds had stolen a march on the other two and the lead kept alternating all the way through the fell between Colleen, Altanic and Jacob (i think, well it was one of the red uns or maybe both!). The other three were The Puddle Jumper, Poker Face and Colourful. Dropping off Latrigg and it was Colleen that led although there were still five in contention. Jumping out of the bracken and into the second last field and Jacob had gained a few yards advantage which he then miantained all the way to the line. Altanic finished well to take second place and there was a close race for third, fourth and fifth with Colleen just getting the verdict ahead of Poker Face and Colourful. Momentum passed The Puddle Jumper in the closing stages to claim sixth.
The open maiden trail was dominated by a trio of junior hounds. Going through the back fell, four hounds had stolen a march. I think it was Temperance, The Legal Beagle, Kingdom and Wattmore. Davina was gaining ground all the time and moved into clear fifth place as they went out of sight with Eden Roberta in sixth and Fortitude seventh. When they came off Latrigg, Temperance was still in front with Kingdom for company, Wattmore was third and Davina now fourth and when they appeared again on the finish the first two were still closely matched and it was Temperance that just got the nod in a very good race. Fortitude finished well to come through and take third with Davina who slipped and fell coming to the last fence, taking fourth. Wattmore ran on for fifth with Eden Roberta sixth.
The Penny Arcade used up her open restricted quota for the year when easily winning the last. The three year old has performed consistently at fell trails all season and put in another good performance to beat the fast finishing Tranquility (she's getting nearer Charlotte!) and Boreas by twenty ayrds or so. Shifter just beat Langdale Smiler for fourth and Eden Rusty was sixth and these six were well clear of the other five runners.
Thank you Dave for his St Helena report:
Rather different to Monday, many had chosen to go to Keswick and others hadn't bothered to go at all, only a few diehards at St Helena last night.
Seniors first up, Cinnabar was again favourite, but not odds on, and once again she had got herself behind on the first part of the trail as Random Star, Alles Springs and Jetrose set the pace. Out onto the fell and these three had pulled a long way clear of Miss Molly chasing hard, and with Alles Springs knowing her way home from here, she was backed as short as 2-1. Onto the finish and Alles Springs had indeed pulled clear and was on it's "Jacksie" and came home well clear of Miss Molly, with Jetrose in third and Cinnabar fourth. The gate had once again caused havoc and from being on her own for second, Random Star came home fifth, with Valhalla making up remarkable ground to claim sixth after being a long way back through the bottoms.
In the pups there was a small field of six, with Angel interestingly turning out. Night Spirit was a warm order at 4-6, but with Da Look in the field it surely wasn't a formality, onto the fell five were closely bunched, at first I thought Angel might make a go of it as she was only about 100 yards behind the pack climbing out, but as she got to the fence approaching the fell she seemed none too keen to jump it, losing further ground and eventually coming back to the start. I feel Angels problems have been one of the tragedies of the season, she was utterly brilliant before her problems started, I sincerely hope that she will overcome her problems and come back to herself as an old dog. All the way around the trail the remaining five remained bunched up, and at one point I had hope of getting the "jolly" beat as fast finisher True Blue took up the running, but she made a miss somewhere and once again through the bushes we could see the gate causing havoc again, as dog after dog tried and failed to get over, Night Spirit did though, and to be fair had looked like he had already taken the race beforehand, and he came home about fifteen yards clear of Romulus, who is running well, and from what I saw last night I would want to back him if he comes on the finish with a chance, because he finished really well, using flying finisher Night Spirit as a gauge. Miss Idaho finished third, Da Look fourth and True Blue fifth.
In the restricted Amy Jo looked a good thing, I felt she should have been odds on, but with the sparse crowd and me winning nowt I knew I'd have to go evens to take any money, so evens it was. I was accomodated and on the fell she led, and she also led onto the finish, but there were plenty with chances, and coming down the fileds the old boy Lofty took it up and was coming on to some effect, but in behind there were several with chances, and there was the gate to negotiate. Once again we were to witness dog after dog failing to get over, including Lofty, and then two jumped over in unison, the groans of "Oh no!" of one punter who had had £25 each way on Snow Peak on Monday confirmed what I thought one was, and the other was Newtown Clover, and these two fought out a great battle to the line, with Snow Peak just getting on top close home, although I don't think "Spud" was too upset, I think he was more interested in points than prizes! Celtic Spirit ran another good race in third, Amy Jo was fourth, the consistent Red Pike fifth and Lofty sixth.
Tuesday 27 September
Thank you to Dave for his report:
Another decent turnout at Sandale and the leaden skies cleared along with the mist on the fells to give a decent evening.
In the old dogs Darling was always going to be a warm order and was sent off at odds of 2-5, which in reality looked a good price, you don't get 40% in the bank for half an hours wait! I bet without Darling and was duly filled in for Mayfair who has an exceptional record here, but reports from the road were thast she was absolutely tailed off, I'm informed she ran into the trailer at the start, maybe that knocked her out of her stride. Dropping down the fell before the stiff climb to the finish and two were clear, a white 'un and a ginger 'un, easy to assume what they were, Darling and Levi, so the money then came for Levi without, but then one or two eagle eyed shrewdies asked "What price Thorn Girl?" and they were right. The stiff climb to the finish tends to test the hounds stamina in the extreme, no such problems for the champion elect, she emerged well clear of the chasing Thorn Girl. Hunters Lane had made good progress though and was only about twenty yards behind Thorn Girl, I got greedy and offered up evens Thorn Girl without Darling knowing that Hunters will stay longer than the mother in law,and was accomodated, and although Hunters did stick on well and closed the gap, Thorn Girl held on by a good five yards or so proving she is in absolutely excellent form of late. Mang Nix ran a super race in fourth, Levi was fifth and Lingbeck Shadow was sixth. There was a little concern that Mayfair might be hurt being so far back at the road, but she finished well to lead in the rest.
In the pup race Da Look was offered up at 4-6, but there was steady money for impressive Kendal winner Border River, which saw her price tumble from 5-1 to 5-2. There were only four dogs really backed, the two named, Blackbird and Jackie Boy. As they dropped off the fell it was apparent the bookies had no chance, all four were fighting it out. Up onto the finsh and the only one that had dropped out of contention was Jackie Boy as the other three vied for the lead with nothing between them, through the gate Border River had forged about five yards clear, and although Da Look tried valiantly to close the gap, Border River was always holding him, Blackbird ran it's usual game race in third, with Jackie Boy not far behind in fourth. Cracking Sunset was fifth and Bingo must have rattled home to get sixth, it was only seventh through the gate.
The maidens was a quiet betting heat, and predictably Rhinestone Cowboy drove them silly, apart from a mistake at the first road which saw him drop back about ten places. As they dropped in he and Birkby Tan were clear, but going out of sight a dog had made rapid headway to join them, a hefty bet struck all in told me that dog was Silent Witness. Onto the finish and the climb had seen Rhinestone and Silent well clear of Birkby and Barncroft Secret, and close home Silent Witness asserted to win nicely, Rhinestone ran on for second, Birkby third, Barncroft fourth with the pup Wreckless Wren running well in fifth, and No Bother sixth.
I drove into Keswick on the way up and you couldn't get up the road that leads to the Pheasant Inn and the Golf course trails, if you can't get in via the roundabout up by the Pheasant, and to be honest I never looked on the way home to see if you can, it's recommended that you head for the town centre and take the road up past the museum and round the back of the swimming pool. I would imagine you should be able to get as far as the garage and the pub from the roundabout though, and therefore the trails. Don't shoot me if I'm wrong though!
Monday 26 September
Thank you to Dave for this report:
A fair turnout of hounds and folk at St Helena last night, and I was delighted to see the faces of a few punters who have been conspicuous by their absence recently, the weather was overcast but fair and a good atmosphere overall.
In the old dogs Cinnabar was made odds on even though she has only won once at this venue this year, she is undoubtedly in rude health though. I bet without Cinnabar, and there was a lot of money for Quiet Swallow who won here last time. As they went through the bottoms I felt my goose was cooked, I felt Swallow was a good thing last time as she went through about seventh on the basis of the ground she made on the second half the time before, this time she was third, no distance behind the leader Sweet Pea, Cinnabar at this point was only twelfth, but she often makes a mess of the first part of the trail for some reason. Onto the fell and Sweet Pea had a good lead, and instead of putting her best foot forward as expected, Quiet Swallow had dropped back to fifth with Cinnabar a spot behind, the two principals in the betting had it all to do. Onto the finish and Sweet Pea would still just about lead, but right behind was course specialist No Chance and Miss Molly. Anybody who hasn't been to this venue won't realise how tricky the finish is with turns, gates, cows and dykes, No Chance however loves it, and quickly pulled clear, and turning for the finish had an unassailable lead, but we could just see from the betting ring that he couldn't get over the gate. Eventually he got over and was still in front, but the pack were now right behind, Miss Molly, Cinnabar and "Gasp" Quiet Swallow! They all finished really well, and from the ring we were confident No Chance had prevailed, but we've been wrong here before, "You have to be on the line" they say, and there were gassps of disbelief from the ring when somebody shouted "Mollys won it!" Judge Ructions confirmed that Molly had got up on the line to win by about a head, these two about ten yards in front of Cinnabar with Quiet Swallow close up in fourth, Spud Murphys Newtown Ghost running a blinder in fifth and Saturdays unlucky maiden runner Bushie also running a corker in sixth.
There was no tea cart so I reluctantly had to go to the Cat in Egremont for half time refreshment, on return I was faced with a small but select field of pups. Medwyn was made favourite, I bet without her and Enoch, and was hit with several bets for Night Spirit at 2-1, there was plenty of confidence behind him after he was so unlucky at the Crab fair. I missed them on the fell, but most were saying the two principals were in front, but one man alone, eagle eyed "Laal Joe" was adamant that there was one on it's own ahead of them. Onto the finish and he was to be proved right, and it was reported to be Ryans Lady Anna clear, but when it got to the fields turning in it turned back, and the next thing we knew there were several dogs with chances including De La Hoya, Altanic, Night Spirit and Enoch. Onto the last bit of the tricky finish and Night Spirit had opened up a ten yard advantage on Enoch, and as hard as Enoch tried, she could not close the gap. Altanic was a few yards back in third, followed in by De La Hoya, who I hope isn't hurt as we could see him wedged in the gate that caused No Chance the problems struggling to get free, Ryans Lady Anna came next and Romulus came in sixth. Medwyn finished a long way back.
The restricted race saw fourteen go to the slip, but by the time they hit the fell it was a one dog race, Random Star had the length of the fell with the others having a good race for the minors. Onto the finish and Random was on her own, and apart from being another to struggle at "that" gate, she strolled home well clear, Amy Jo was second, and I'd bet without those two. I had fancied Sunlight to be my winner, but Jud who had slipped it said it had made a miss at the start and was tailed off, so I apologise to those bewildered by my shouts of "Sunlight is my winner" as it emerged onto the finish, it was amazement more than anything. No doubt if it had got away ok Jud would have been relieving me of a few quid! To be honest, Lady Anna Ryans would have been a clear second, but she put in a wheelie coming onto the finish to complete a very frustrating night for the kennel, she was eventually fourth, with Celtic Spirit fifth and Newtown Clover sixth.
The fixture on Wednesday clashes with Keswick golf course, but I'll be back at St Helena, it's a good trail, you see plenty of the dogs and the finish makes it unique, you can never, ever count your chickens, great stuff. What I won on the old dogs went back in the pups, good old Sunlight ensured I went home in pocket, so I was happy. A bit grim coming home over Corney in the dark, there aren't many more spectacular sights than the fells glowing orange in the evening sun of midsummer, that will not now be seen until next season sadly. A long hard winter looms large.
Sunday 25 September
Another lovely day and an early start for a four trail meeting at Cunswick Fell, Kendal. The seniors were first up and a high class field including the top two in the championship as well as the in form Velvet. The word from outside was that a group of nine hounds had pulled clear crossing the road onto the second half but when they came into sight going through the fields in the bottom, this group had been reduced to three. Velvet was leading closely followed by Bonny Lass and Habana and this trio had pulled well away from the rest. Coming over the top onto the finish and Velvet had about fifty yards or so over Habana and these two had drawn clear of Bonny Lass who was still in third place clear of the others. This was how they finished with Velvet easily winning her fourth trail in as many outings and her sixth overall. Darling made a lot of ground up in the latter stages to come through and take fourth place with Dizzee Rascal fifth and My Girl sixth.
In the puppy trail it seemed to be an eternity until they came into sight coming through the bottoms but when they did all bar one of the eleven runners were still in contention. The Wilson & Westmorland pair Tiagress and Betty Boo were leading the charge but the others were all closely packed in behind them. Coming over the top onto the finish and three hounds had once again drawn clear. Dot Walker's Border River was in company with Tiagress and Betty Boo and having hit the front coming through the last gate the first named ran on well to score her third win of the season by ten yards. The Simpson's Nike finished well to take fourth ahead of the Steele's pair Poker Face and Colourful.
As always a good slip in the open maidens and going through two hounds had stolen a march, Eden Roberta and the highly consistent Wattmore. There was a good bunch of hounds after these two and when they came over the top they had bunched up and dropping in seven hounds held potential winning chances. Coming through the last gate there were three abreast and it was Malcolm & Ann Holmes' Spot On that produced the best turn of foot just getting up to beat David Clifford's Eden Roberta and the McClean, Lyon & Metcalfe's Wattmore by a length or so. Davina was a further couple of lengths adrift in fourth with Sherlock fifth and Temperance sixth and Nemesis was the unlucky one finishing just out of the tickets in seventh place.
Russell & Wendy Dawson's classy veteran Ms Dynamite used up her quota in the open restricted grade. The six year old led through the bottoms and came over the top with quite a good lead over Boreas. She still had plenty in hand coming through the last gate and despite stopiing just before the tape managed to get over before the fast finishing Tranquility owned by the Stobbart & Teasdale partners with the Petersen & Oldcorn's Cavendish close up in third. The Dawson's other charge Ooh La La! ran a fine race to take fourth with Boreas fading into fifth and Freebie took sixth for a well chuffed Dot.
Saturday 24 September
A beautiful sunny if a bit chilly at times autumn day at Eskdale Show and a good turn for the four trail meet.
First up were the seniors and there was a good class field of fifteen. After we had slipped them, Jayne kindly took us out to watch them and at Bower House, the Stuart Jeynes trained Alles Springs was leading them a merry dance ahead of Courtesy and Cinnabar with Della also holding a prominent position. From here round to the bridge at Low Place and after an encounter with Steph's pair of prize pigs (how cute are they???) the hounds came into view and Alles Springs was still leading the way from Della and Cinnabar and these three had pulled clear of the rest of the field. Back from here to the field and it wasn't long until they were dropping in for the finish. The same three were still clear but Cinnabar and Alles Springs had pulled away by about thirty or forty yards on Della. However, coming into sight for the final time and Della had made up the deficit and much to my delight she finished well to pass Alles Springs and take second place, not that far behind Cinnabar who ran a fine race to reach double figures of wins for Denis Peare & Jackie Gill. Matador ran well to take fourth just ahead of Courtesy and Foxparke Homeward Bound was sixth.
In the senior maiden trail there were thirteen runners and I hitched a lift with Tony Jackson and Ian Rudd then I could watch them outside (thanks guys). At Bower House, Cannavaro had quite a good lead over Foxparke Blowing Wind and he was still in front when we went round to Low Place. By now Sophisticated Lady was second and Denial third and these three had a few yards but by the time they went onto the fell at the far end they had bunched up and almost all of them were in contention. Back to the field and Cannavaro was still in front when they dropped in with Bushie now second and Foxparke Blowing Wind third. When they appeared for the final time there was a three way battle and it was Nicola & Robyn Napier's Foxy Lady that just got the spoils ahead of Cannavaro (you'll never be as lucky again Jayne!) with Denial a close up third. Bushie had made a miss somewhere in the bottoms and finished fourth with Sophiticated Narnia fifth and Foxparke Blowing Wind sixth.
There was a high class puppy field and Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy got her championship challenge back on track when scoring her seventeeth win of the season. The talented young bitch crashed to the front dropping in for the finish and had Medwyn for company when they came into sight on the run in. Once the whistles went on Gypsy asserted and although Medwyn rallied in the closing stages, Gypsy triumphed by a length or so. She just needs three more wins to pass the long time leader in the championship Angel. Da Look ran another good race to take third place (good lad Trent) with Altanic fourth clear of Lady Ryans Anna in fifth and Colleen in sixth.
In the open restricted, as so often of late The Penny Arcade was setting the early pace but three hounds were clear as they dropped in namely George Birkett's Langdale Smiler and Sean & Miles Pirie's pair Celtic Spirit and Celtic Brave. As they came onto the finish, they had dropped Celtic Brave and Smiler and Spirit settled down to battle out the finish. There was nothing separating the pair all the way to the line but Smiler surged forward right at the death to take the spoils by about a length. Celtic Brave ran on to take third clear of the rest. A bunch finish developed for the minor tickets with Snow Peak taking fourth, The Penny Arcade fifth and The Real Bandit sixth.
Thursday 23 September
Thank you to Dave for this report:
Heavy showers all the way up on the long journey from the shipyard to Scawthwaite close, and although fine when i arrived, the sky was leaden and threatening. I soon realised the bookies were the wrong way on for the oncoming deluge so parked opposite, when the rain and wind started the others soon followed suit, horrible, wet , windy and cold.
Fourteen lined up for the senior trail, including former champ Westgate Kyza and champ elect Darling. The youngster was sent off even money favourite, but going through it was the old timer Kyza who had a massive lead, you would normally say "unassailable" lead, but there's no such thing with Darling in the race. As they came past the farm with the wind and rain in our face and our glasses, it looked like Kyza was still in front, but tracking him was a greyish white dog, I think it was pretty safe to assume what it might be, another coloured dog showed not far back in third, not sure what it was in the conditions and a white dog in fourth, which I assume was the pup Pot Look taking his chance in the senior ranks for the first time. As the sheep ran on the top into view came Darling in front, remarkable if you saw the ground she had to make up at halfway, but I've said it before, a few hundred yards at halfway is nothing to a dog of this talent. Dropping in, Kyza regained the lead and by the time they hit the dip would have ten to fifteen yards lead, but as they met the rising ground Darling changed gear and overhauled her rival on the stiff climb to the line to win by a couple of lengths to put in an eight point lead at the top of the table, a lead you feel will only increase rather than diminish looking at the fixtures to the end of the season, God willing she remains sound. (You can't tell I backed her for the championship can you?) Not many dogs running better than Hunters Lane at the moment, this dour staying hound finished third, with Pot Look delighting James and Steve running a tremendous race in fourth, with My Girl holding off Mayfair for fifth ticket.
It seemed everybody on the field was huddled around the tea cart at the break taking in a warming brew, and a decent looking pup race was next up, with Enoch, Da Look, Colleen, Blackbird, Colourful, Altanic and NIke amongst the runners, no Westgate Gypsy though, hopefully she's ok to take her chance at the show this coming Saturday. Went up to watch the slip and they were going at some pace into the wood, only trouble is they never came out! After what seemed an age one dog came out and struck the trail and set off in splendid isolation, one or two shrewdies nipped back into the ring and snaffled the prices available on Altanic, but when a large number of dogs returned to the start, Altanic was one of them. The guessing game started, I assumed it must be Quiet Lass, I couldn't think of another dog so dark, but Laal Joe, who isn't a bad judge anyway, declared "I think it's ours!" Quiet Lass was still out though, so we weren't sure, but when the dog came, it was indeed True Blue, sory for doubting you Joe! Da Look finished second, poor old Trent must have wondered where his owners were, they were stood at the start still watching for him coming out of the wood! These were the only two to finish.
Went up to watch the non-winners slip, by now hypothermia was setting in. They went into the wood well grouped and once again were in there too long, "There they are" came a cry, and they had come out of the wood, but on the other side not to the left where the trail goes. Back they went into the wood until one came out on the stuff, it was reported others followed but I couldn't forsee much betting interest from this point on, so with the appeal of sticking the heating full on in the car, decided to call it a day and have an early night, so my apoligies for not being able to report on the last two races.
I heard on the grapevine that there was a lot of standing water in the wood, I would imagine this would make it difficult for the hounds to pick up the scent. A great venue, just unfortunate the weather conspired against us.
Wednesday 22 September
Thank you to Dave for this report:
Never have I seen such a good venue receive such poor support, probably the lowest turn out I have seen for a trail in over thirty years of trailing, one hardy bookie (me) who took nine bets over three races, what was the point of me turning up? Because I love hound trailing that's why, and it saddens me in the extreme when I see the sport struggling like this, but hey ho, there will always be the "I'm alright Jack, I can run my dog where it suits me, sod the public!" attitude. Unfortunately, when venues are having to be over used, it's the same dogs winning and ticketing, restrictive betting and no value to the punter and even worse for the bookie who is usually on a hiding to nothing, we need more venues where more dogs have a chance, competetive racing and competetive betting to rekindle interest.
Onto the racing, and the seniors saw Cinnabar at 4-5 favourite and market rival Mabel 6-4, Molly Mallone and Miss Molly were 7-2 and it was 8-1 bar these, predictably they were first, second, third and fourth. Dropping in Cinnabar had about thirty yards on Mabel, these two well clear of Molly Malone, who is reported to dislike it wet, and boy was it wet! Many (using the term loosely) thought Mabel was close enough to win, we all know what an impressive turn of foot she has, but Cinnabar actually increased the advantage to about a hundred yards, and won wery easily indeed, Mabel was clear of Molly Malone in second and third, then a long gap to the crab fair victor Miss Molly with Valhalla ten yards behind in fifth and Sweet Pea sixth.
Only six pups and Medwyn was long odds on to win, but something on the trail unsettled them and even though they have been round here so many times, the favourite came back along with the local dog Mitredale Johns Lass, and when they eventually came into view it was Romulus and Ryans Lady Anna contesting the lead, but they only had a minute to get around the corner, not a chance, void trail. No point in asking what won FPP, they crossed the line inseperable and Ructions wasn't going to stand about in the rain to witness the finish of a void race, poor lad must have been wet enough! Night Spirit eventually got round, I'm not sure about Alana.
The open maidens saw another warm favourite at 6-4 in Foxparke Homeward Bound, but dropping in she had work to do, only third behind Lisa and Ed Crosby's pair Temperance and Fortitiude who were driving each other on. Favourite backers needn't have worried though, the fav entered the last field in front and finished strongly to hold off Lady Anna Ryans, with Temperance third and Fortitude fourth, Red Pike seems to be guaranteed a ticket here and was fifth with Harmony in sixth.
I suppose I should count my blessings the punters weren't out in force, I would have done my cobblers in, but I'd happily take my chance and take some money rather than just be stood there twiddling my thumbs. Never mind, there should be a good turn out at Eskdale on Saturday, seeing as there aren't another two meetings on the same day.
On behalf of Kentmere HTC, Lynn and Martin would like to thank everyone who has supported the trails at Staveley Head, Kentmere Hall and Millriggs during 2010. We have had a good season and are planning to donate £250 to local charities including Kentmere First Responders. So thank you to our trailers Ian Bell, Lee Irwin, Robert Reid, Alan Wilson, Alec Steele and Patrick Laidler. To our gate keeper Yvonne Wilson, our entry takers, Amy Birkett, Ann Bell & Kathryn Pawley, our raffle ticket sellers Christine Brownlee, Yvonne Wilson and Ronnie Bell. Also thank you to Caroline for being on gate duty yesterday and to Alec and Robert for scouting the roads. Thank you to Graham & Julie Burkinshaw and Brian & John Graham and Jayne Petersen & Michael Oldcorn for their kind donations and to everyone who has supplied raffle prizes and supported us by running their hounds. Last but not least a huge thank you to the farmers for their kind permission to run over their land.
Tuesday 21 September
Thank you to Dave for this report
Quite a good turnout of hounds and enthusiasts at Millriggs, the weather threatened, but it stayed fine.
In the old dogs form dog Velvet was installed the 2-1 favourite, and was reported to be driving at halfway (I missed them) and dropping down to the finish she looked to have the race at her mercy with several hounds chasing, my eyesight was particularly bad yesterday but Courtesy and Habana were in the chasing group, and another coloured dog I wasn't sure of. Onto the long finish and Velvet still had a nice lead but I wasn't sure what the second dog was running on strongly (I'm hopeless head on as well as half blind) but when I saw Heidi shouting it became apparent it was the maiden Roulette who was to chase Velvet home with Courtesy not far behind in third. Once the whistles went on Habana came as straight as a die to the line to claim fourth, with Bonny Lass fifth and Jennys Dream in sixth. There had been good money for Bonny from halfway as she was reportedly well up with the pace going through, she ran a fine race.
Next up was the restricted hounds and going through Martaura was setting the pace but there were many in with chances, Langdale Smiler was chasing hard with Boreas, Cracking Thore and Negress not far off the pace. I was tending my daughter who was complaining of tummy ache (Thanks for helping her out Lynn) when they dropped in so I missed them, but from the field people were saying Martaura was clear. As they dropped on the final descent though she was only third, Boreas was in front being chased by Cavendish. Onto the long run in and all three were together and at the line it was desperate, I thought Boreas had won, Jim Bob Batty stood near me thought Martaura, the camera was consulted and a dead heat was announced. Cavendish ran a solid race in third and there was a bit of a gap back to Negress with Team Spirit finishing fifth and Langdale Smiler sixth.
The pups was a very competetive affair, Westgate Gypsy was favourite but there was good money for Colleen. The Steeles Colourful was heavily backed "without" and Nike was not without her supporters. Dropping onto the finish it was a Wilson 1-2 as Tiagress and Betty Boo vied for the lead, Colourful was about fifth and Colleen only eighth, but as they emerged onto the run in there was a pack of them, with Colleen now vying for the lead. What a finish this was and close home it was a three way duel between Colleen, Colourful and Nike, with Nike just getting up to beat Colleen, with Colourful close up in third, Tiagress fourth, Momentum fifth and Betty Boo sixth.
The best finish of the day involved the open maidens (or the "thingemies" as Baz called them when the result was eventually sorted out), if ever there was a blanket finish, this was it. Dropping in Wattmore and Cannavaro battled for the lead and coming through the final gate they were still in control once through the gate it became as they say "a cavalry charge". Close home Kingdom came to challenge to Wattmore and Cannavaro, The Legal Beagle to his left, Davina lowest of all and Nemesis following Davina through and Temperance coming through the middle. In a desperately close affair Davina just got up on the line with Wattmore I would assume about a head behind in second, because Nemesis was only a neck behind Davina over the line, but was only third on camera consultation, Temperance was fourth, Kingdom fifth and the Legal Beagle sixth, probably not a length between the six of them, with plenty more bunched in behind, great race, even though once again Davina cost me, as she seems to have done for the latter half of the season.
The veterans saw a good turnout, with reigning champion Sophisticated Lady turning out against the in form Miss Dynamite and the classy Some Girl. Dynamite was sent off the even money favourite, and she and "Lady" went out of sight with the lead. There was good money for the three principals in the betting, but dropping in it looked like Huntsmans Ruler would spoil the party, he had a good 100 yards lead over the two black 'uns. Round the corner though it was all change, Miss Dynamite and Sophisticated Lady were now clear, with Ruler now a hundred behind them, we can only assume Huntsmans got wrong, but he may not have beat these two anyway, he finished tired and these two flew in, with Dynamite getting over in front despite doing the hokey cokey at the line (nothing malicious may I add) the pair of them clear of Ruler, with Eden Rusty and Seven up having a great battle for fourth, with Eden Rusty coming out on top. Some Girl finished way back in sixth, she's better than that, maybe an off day, we all have them.
Monday 20 September
Thank you Dave for this report
A small turnout of punters and bookies and fairly small fields again, but competetive sport all the same.
In the old dogs Cinnabar drifted into 1-2 favourite as the bookies tried to raise some interest, but there wasn't much, even though she has won the last two here very easily indeed. We were all caught napping as they dropped in, usually the shout of "trail" tells you they won't be long, but they arrived before then, with Alles Springs blazing the trail followed by Molly Malone, Rose and Cinnabar. Some of us went to the top corner of the field to watch them before they appear onto the finish, and Alles Springs appeared with a good fifty yard lead over the chasing bunch, but she must have stopped out of sight, because when they came into the last field the four were together, with Rose asserting on the run in, only to give her supporters palpitations as she started looking around approaching the line, but she straightened up to get over the line from the fast closing favourite Cinnabar, Molly Malone passed Alles Springs for third, with a long gap back to Foxparke Blowing Wind and Black Poppy in fifth and sixth.
The pups looked a bit of a match between course specialist Medwyn and the in form Enoch and they were cloesely matched in the betting at 6-4 and evens, but when they dropped in they had Ryans Lady Anna for company, these three clear of the rest. As they came into view from the top corner of the field it was Enoch and Ryans fighting it out with Medwyn a close up third, but when they came into the final field Medwyn was in front, but it wasn't long before Enoch and Ryans were making a strong challenge either side. It is not for me to comment as to what happened next as the result is subject to appeal, Enoch crossed the line just in first place from Ryans Lady Anna but was disqualified, so Medwyn was promoted to second, with Romulus a remote third, Night Spirit fourth, Miss Idaho fifth and Alana sixth.
A good race in the open maidens, and most expected it would be another victory for form dog Foxparke Homeward Bound, and this looked as though it would be the case as they dropped in as it led all the way through followed by another in form hound Thorn Girl with the Crosbys Fortitude closing in fast and MJH and Lady Anna Ryans not out of the equation either. Back around the corner though and Thorn Girl had taken over being chased by Fortitude, and this order was maintained all the way to the line, with Thorn Girl having a couple of lengths to spare over Fortitude with the favourite only third, Lady Anna Ryans again finished well in fourth, with the consistent Red Pike in fifth and Park Top in sixth.
Saturday 17 September
Egremont Crab Fair - thank you Dave for this report:
A good crowd turned up for this traditional fixture, and it was rather sad to notice several faces from the past that don't come trailing anymore, only two bookies here and two at Shap, probably only one at Dearham. I'll say it again, one fixture is enough on Saturday for the amount of dogs, punters and bookies.
Old dogs up first and although only seven runners, you couldn't rule any of them out and it was 5-2 the field, with plenty of support for Hot Flush, Miss Molly and Shifter. Reports from outside were that four were clear, Black Poppy, Jetrose, Miss Molly and Shifter but that was to change dramatically on the finish, when they showed Jetrose was just about in front with Miss Molly and Shady Lady for company, with the well backed Hot Flush in fourth. Out of the dip and back into view and it was Hot Flush that had now hit the front, and into the last field would hold about a five yard advantage on Miss Molly, but it's a desperate climb up the hill, and Molly got up in the last strides to win, with Hot Flush running a game race in second. Jetrose ran on to take third just ahead of Shady lady with a long gap back to No Chance in fifth and Black Poppy in sixth. Shifter who has been running well of late finished tired and a long way back, I would assume she's been wrong and bust a gut trying to get back to them.
The pups saw a small field of four runners but there was good support for all four in the ring. Early reports kept telling us that you could throw a blanket over the four of them, but later reports were that Ryans Lady Anna was out of contention, I can't speculate as to what had happened. Onto the finish and three were so close you could throw a towel over them, not a blanket, but in the second last field, Night Spirit had established what looked like a winning lead, but just before the road a group of sheep decided to run across his path, forcing him wide until one of them absolutely skittled him, very, very unlucky for Neil and Bye-Bye. Over the road and into the last field it was now Pot Look with five yards on kennelmate Da Look, but Da Look showed the stronger resolve to win by about a length up the stiff climb, Night Spirit finished third a long way clear of Ryans Lady Anna,
The maidens saw another exciting finish, with several dogs in with chances. It looked as though Sophisticated Narnia had put the race to bed by drawing clear approaching the last road, but kennelmate Jealousy finished like a train to get up close home, with Lady Anna Ryans also flying to claim second, foiling a punt on "Nana" without three, she only managed third in the end after running on the lowside and losing ground. Bushie was fourth, Downtown fifth and Digit sixth.
last up was the restricted, it looked like a match between Calzaghe and Random Star, and this turned out to be the case, these two showing well clear on the finish with Random Star led until halfway up the finish where the old lad took command, I've lost count how many times he's won up that hill. Celtic Spirit ran well to claim third ahead of Newtown Ghost,with Celtic Brave and Amy Jo taking fifth and sixth of the six runners.
I never actually lost, but I haven't paid out as much money this season, the lack of runners didn't deter the punters from sticking on, a good days betting and a good days sport, shame I couldn't get the hotpots beaten.
Shap
Journey north was a mixed bag weather wise mainly showery and it looked like we were going to get wet! when we eventually managed to get through Kendal and past a dear little old man who was travelling around 10 mph!!! the weather changed for the better and it stayed dry for the afternoon.
First up was the senior trail 16 runners took to the trail going up the fell around 17 minutes they were going well with a group of around 13 dogs, coming back into sight, Dizze Rascal was one of the prominent hounds who didnt show on the finish, apparently four dogs had muzzied at the final gate leaving Westgate Kyza to come through and take the lead down the finish he won comfortably from Ms Dynamite who had ran a cracking race to take second with Bonny Lass in third these three had gained an advantage on the rest of the field, My Girl, Rose and Sundown took the minor honours.
Senior Maiden trails was highly competative as ever, at 17 minutes 16 dogs climbed up all with a chance of the spoils, coming back into sight there was a good line and Cannavaro and Wattmore being prominent. Coming onto the finish Cannavaro showed with a narrow lead over Wattmore these two had a few yeards over the rest of the field, coming down the finish Wattmore temporarily took the lead when Cannavaro ran high, these pair had a great race to the line with Cannavaro narrowly taking the win from Wattmore with Spot On in third, Grange Moss fourth, Sherlock fifth and puppy Nemesis running a cracker to take sixth place. I missed a phone call from a certain person whilst was walking others between the trails, so just to let him know that I stuck my bum and other bits out!!!!!!!!! sorry Joesph couldnt resist writing this part.
Once again the senior maidens ran impressively compared to the seniors and their times werent much difference, which shows just how competitive these races have become.
Next up was the puppy trail 14 took to the trail with Jacob McClink making much of the running and was very unlucky on the finish not to take the spoils. Coming along the back fell Jacob was in front with the chasing group closely following him, he was still in front coming onto the finish, then something bizarre happened he went from first to seventh at the blink of an eye, some say he went high while others seem to think he stumbled. The race changed hands at this point, Ooh La La and Nike made a great race to the line both battling to take the win in the end Ooh La La took the spoils by what looked like a head from Nike, Wendy and Russ were delighted with her win. Tiagress took third, Border River fourth, Poker Face fifth and Jackie Boy sixth.
Last up was the Open Restricted trail, coming through the final fell the dogs were spread out with the first four holding an advantage over the rest of the field, these four were nearly evenly matched in distance around 50 yards between each other Martaura, Dixie Moon, Langdale Smiler and Team Spirit. This is how they finished with Dusty Hare and Lofty taking fifth and sixth place. Wendy I apologise for not taking your picture for the website, I was catching my own, will get one next time I see you, sorry.
Thursday 15 September
The Keswick area are having a busy week this week and today we were off to Grange-in-Borrowdale for a four trail meet. In the senior trail, Huntsman's Dazzler was sent off the odds on favourite but coming back through the top of the fell at the mid way point it was his kennelmate Huntsman's Chance leading the way from Gentle Lady, Della and Velvet and these four had pulled away a bit from the rest of the field. The afternoon sunshine meant you couldn't make them out at the next viewing point on the top trod but coming around the corner to head for the finish, it was Gentle Lady that had taken up the running with Velvet in hot pursuit and these two had stolen a march. At this point Sunshine had moved into third place with Huntsman's Chance and Della fourth and fifth but from here Huntsman's Dazzler absolutely flew through the fell and by the time they had come half way through he had moved into third place and was after the leaders. Coming into the final field and Gentle Lady and Velvet were closely matched and after a good race, the latter got the upper hand to score her fourth win overall and second within the period of three days. Huntsman's Dazzler made more ground and in the end was only beat fifty yards or so in third and Sunshine also ran another good race in fourth. Mayfair dropped in well and took fifth place with Crystal running on into sixth.
Next up were the senior maidens and climbing up Catbells at the far end they had already got strung out. From here Ramblin' Rose and Jack Flash had a good lead and they maintained their advantage throughout. Coming through the fell onto the finish they had a good race with the lead changing hands several times. Dropping in Jack Flash, a past senior winner at this venue gained a few yards advantage but entering the last field Ramblin Rose had made up the deficit and the Millom bitch finished really well to land the spoils for Jim Bob, Mike and Norman and landed a nice gamble in the process. Gifted finished a clear third and Spot On overtook Nutmeg on the finish to take fourth with Eden Russett back in sixth.
In the puppy trail, Jackie Boy was up with the early pace along with the two 'red uns' Colourful and Jacob McClink, sorry still can't tell them apart! Turning off the trod to climb up out of sight and the favourite, Westgate Gypsy went to the front and Momentum was also prominent. Going through the top and 'Gypsy' still held the advantage but there was a good line of hounds still in contention. Coming round the corner and Gypsy was just in front but Colourful and Jacob were close in behind. All the way through these three had a real good race and dropping in there was nothing between the three of them. Gypsy led in behind the farm but when they came over the road she had dropped back to third and despite her best efforts she couldn't match the pace of Colourful on the whistles and the Skelsmergh youngster finished well to record her second win by a couple of lengths. Jacob was second and Gypsy third and Jackie Boy ran a good race to take fourth place on his debut at the venue. Poker Face came through to calim fifth place just ahead of Momentum.
The Penny Arcade led them out in the open restricted and then I missed them going through the top. When they came round the corner heading for the finish, Shifter had a good lead on The Penny Arcade however, the gap was steadily reduced and when they dropped in the chasing bunch which also included The Real Bandit and Tranquility had made good headway. Coming into the last field and 'Penny' was in front from Bandit, Shifter and Tranquility and Les Hudson's bitch ran on well to maintain her lead to the line. Shifter came back again on the flat to take second with Tranquility third and Bandit fading into fourth. These four had pulled clear of Eden Rusty which in turn was clear of Westgate Ripple.
Wednesday 14 September
Thank you Paul for this report:
Venue: Midge Park
Gladly we haven’t seen much of them at this venue this season! The field looked quiet and I kept thinking how sad! In the last few years we seemed to have lost our fair share of supporters from this area. Tommy Markham, Bobby Moyles to name a couple. We also don’t see a lot of the pensioners now, as I call them! Even the lowside is suffering and my two favourite girls, ‘The Mafia’ Joan and Jean aren’t attending as regularly as they once did. Good job there is a few young guns coming through to strike fear! Now back to why I am writing this report!
First up were the old dogs and seven runners again! Courtesy was fav, Cinnabar 2nd fav and Sweet Pea was the fav without. Sadly without David ‘sleeves’ Howson not attending (I have heard from a reliable source he is still being held for further questioning!)and Mr Telford busy, I had to face the avalanche myself, full on! I look around the sparse crowd, but to be fair there were a few big hitters! I wasn’t feeling on top form, but I didn’t expect any sympathy from this lot when money is concerned! Then from a distance I spotted them as they strode across the field, THE MAGNIFCENT SEVEN! Kk, E/w, Laal Joe, Bully, Spud, Sandy and Squarky.
They looked fully loaded and ready to pounce! Spike was hovering with the Keswick banana Boyz cash and ready to bet on the jolly. Dennis didn’t fancy Cinnabar, but when does he!? The late cash was for Cinnabar and she showed with a few yards from Sweet Pea and Courtesy as they approached the dip. On appearing, Courtesy was just in front and finished well to hold off Cinnabar and Sweet Pea, Matador finished fourth. I bet both ways and was quite happy to play a draw on this race.
In the break I noticed one aspect of the sport that has is improved the raffle ticket sellers! Brenda is still time form rated one, but the young Christine Brownlee is fast catching her up and I swear she would climb Skiddaw to find someone who hasn’t bought a raffle ticket!
Pups were next and seven runners again!! Medwyn was the fav and she maintained her title challenge with an easy win from Night Spirit. Much to mine and Laal Joe’s annoyance, True Blue ran off when a good second. She eventually finished third ahead of Miss Idaho.
The open maiden was last on the card and a good betting heat. The early money was for Sophisticated Lady, but as soon as John bet Roulette, I was surrounded by the punters who were like a swarm of bees after my honey as they lumped on! As they approached the finish, there were plenty of runners going into the dip and I hoped for an upset. In the last field I thought I had done it as Delahoya hit the front, but Sophisticated Lady got up to give Laal Joe his wages, Roulette finished third. As I counted my satchel, I had played an honourable draw again!
The travelling circus now moves to Grange, so please allow yourselves a little more travelling time and be patient as you approach Grange.
Tuesday 13 September
A double header tonight and in the senior trail at Dearham two hounds had pulled clear of the rest on the second half of the trail. The Tinnion & Steele's Quiet Swallow and the Swanton's Darling showed together on the finish and the first named drew away in the final few fields to score her fourth win by about fifteen yards. The champion elect Darling ran a fine race on her debut outing at the venue and will take all the beating back here on Saturday. The Reay's improving Hunter's Lane put in another good performance to take third place much to Bryan's delight and there was a good race for the remainder of the tickets with My Girl taking fourth ahead of Cracking Thore and Brannigan.
In the pups the eleven runners all went round en masse and they were virtually all together when they came on the whistles. It was Reg Bell's in form Enoch that came to the fore and went on to win her ninth trail from Alan Blacklock's ever present Blackbird and Trent Barratt aka Da Look. Nike, Pot Look and Quiet Bullfinch claimed the remaining tickets.
Enid & Sharon Taylor & Adam Baxter's White Diamond won the open restricted and in doing so took the lead in the HTA open restricted championship for the first time. The long time leader, John & Carla Graham's Jordan's Tyke relinquished eligibilty last week at Birkett Field and White Diamond is in a strong position to protect her advantage as she still has one life left. A victory never looked in doubt for the three year old as she led in Busy Night and Barncroft Secret.
Over at Keswick's Old Golf Course, I didn't arrive until later on but in the senior trail, Brian & John Graham's Velvet moved onto the three win mark when beating Huntsman's Dazzler by a few yards with kennel mate Huntsman's Chance taking third. Jacob McClink earned his ninth puppy win in very easy style and was chased home by Altanic and Westgate Gypsy.
In the open maidens there was a good slip of 20 and a group of eight hounds pulled away as we watched them progress through the back fell and coming off Latrigg this bunch were still all closely grouped. As they came into sight on the finish I'm not sure what led but Joanna Satterthwaite's Thorn Girl and the Petersen & Oldcorn's Cannavaro pulled away slightly on the run to the line with the first named getting the verdict for a very happy Jo. There was a good race for the remainder of the tickets with The Legal Beagle taking third, Temperance fourth, Sparrowmire jill fifth and Davina sixth.
The open restricted developed into a duel between Julie & Graham Burkinshaw's Boreas and Les Hudson & Jeanette Irving's The Penny Arcade. The latter had led for a long way through the fell and at one time had a good advantage but coming off Latrigg the pair were together and Boreas took the initiative jumping the fence into the fields. From here he was never headed despite a good late rally from The Penny and he won by about a length. Ms Dynamite finished well to take third place ahead of Kingdom, Tranquility and Langdale Smiler who had dropped back after taking closer order on the back fell.
Just as a foot note, Cathy Lister would like to thank everyone who helped look for her puppy Bud, especially Brian Graham & Graham Burkinshaw. He was missing for some time but was happily retrieved last night and although injured will make a full recovery.
Monday 12 September
Thank you to our guest reporter Paul Garritty:
As I was driving to Crag Farm through the lakes, I remember what a good venue it used to be when there were only 2 or 3 meetings there a year, now sadly it is another race track!! On arriving, I noticed the usual die hards only. Although it was nice to see a fresh face in Lisa Crosby’s new kennel hand, Courtney, who brought the average age down to 67! If there was a trail on the moon, I am sure our chairman Baz, e/w Eric and KK would be on the sunshine club rocket! As the runners were announced, I noticed there were more dogs than punters in the first trail!
The betting jungle was a lot quieter than normal due to the fact that larger than life character David ‘sleeves’ Howson was missing. He text me to say he was on a course this week, but apparently he is answering questions over an incident in a hotel reception over a naked man, who was wandering around cocking his leg like a fine trail hound!
Back to the trails, how boring! Just 7 runners and early reports suggested 2 had got away, as they came onto the finish the 2 joint favourites were well clear. Courtesy enjoying the damp conditions finished well to beat Denis Peare’s game and consistent bitch Cinnabar. Courtesy had been backed by the Keswick banana boyz. The 3 musketeers, Stanley, Griff and Spike have certainly been taking there fair share out of the bookies satchels lately, due to the return to form of Carole’s kennel, hitting top gear after the wilderness years! Back to the trail, Matador finished well to beat Sweet Pea for third. Even though only 9, a good slip of pups, but sadly the trail was void and the last trail cancelled to the wet conditions. See you all this week.
Saturday 11 September
Journey north for the third running of the "Michael Renney Memorial Trail" weather wise was a mixture of wind and heavy showers once north of Cockermouth the sun started to shine and made a warm afternoon. This year the Committee promoted 6 £100.00 trails, hound wise entries were disappointing, but a good crowd had turned up to support the Committee.
First off twelve seniors took to the trail coming past the field Roly Johnson said that Black Poppy was in the lead, shortly after she was borked by the sheep and dropped back in position. Coming onto the finish Darling had established a lead and took the honours for the second year running of the Michael Renney Memorial Trail, Quiet Swallow ran a great race to take second place, with Westgate Kyza in third, Hunters Lane, Brannigan and Jealousy taking the minor honours.
Senior Maidens took to the stage next, ten hounds contesting the honours. At the start nine of the hounds jumped the gate and looked to be heading up the puppy start they eventually turned and jumped the wall on the trail, only one hound went right at the start (just for a change it was mine and nicolas to blame!). Going through could hardly see for the sea of heads looking over the fence but Rhinestone Cowboy and Cavendish were in the first three. Coming onto the finish a group of around six/seven hounds showed any in with a chance of winning. On the whistle Cavendish and Birkby Tan just had a few Rhinestone Cowboy, this was how they finished with Quiet Swift in fourth, Tidal Bay fiftth and Shady Lady sixth. Just for the record Toffee Girl/Westgate Ruler breed took 1st, 3rd and 5th. Cavendish won the Michael Renney Puppy Maiden Trail last year.
Puppy trail proved to be hotly contested with Enoch and Blackbird making most of the running, going through it was two, two, one and one not much distance in them. Coming onto the finish Enoch, Blackbird and Nike had pulled clear of the field coming to the last gate, Nike run wide and jumped the fence higher up leaving Enoch and Blackbird with the advantage, Nike made a substantial amount of ground on the first pair and was unlucky not to have been in the fight for the honours. At the line Enoch beat Blackbird by 5 yards with the fast finishing Nike in third, Pot Look made up a lot of ground to take fourth place, Night Spirit fifth and Paddys Return sixth.
Eleven puppy maidens took to the trail, sorry didnt see them going through past the field but on the finish four had pulled clear and made a great race in the end Waver Rock took the spoils by 5 yards from Delahoya who was a similar distance in front of Quiet Bullfinch, Bingo took fourth who forgot to finish and ran straight past Neil into the gateway, True Blue took fifth and Big Mac sixth.
Sorry left at this point, if anybody would like to write report it would be appreciated. Thank you
Sunday 12 September
A bright and breezy afternoon on Helton Fell and after being regaled with tales of Dave Howson in the buff in the early hours in the reception of a certain West Cumbrian Hotel (don't ask!!!) we settled down for an enjoyable afternoons sport. (P.S The poor receptionist has been admitted for therapy!) :-)
First up the seniors and a small but select field of just seven runners. Going up the fell after about seventeen minutes or so and six of the seven runners were relatively closely grouped and it was Huntsman's Chance that was leading the way. The next time you see them and they are coming off the back fell and by now two hounds were clear of another two and these four were well ahead of the rest. Comment was made that it was Dazzler and Sunshine although I couldn't tell from that distance and because of the sun I was still struggling to pick them out as they dropped in for the finish. However, what turned out to be Huntsman's Dazzler showed with the lead over another two which were Sunshine and Bonny Lass. Coming across the road and in out of sight and Dazzler had increased his advantage but he was too long in the dip and when they appeared again Sunshine was in hot pursuit. Dazzler had enough in hand and still won cosily enough in the end to take his tally to 19, Bonny Lass ran well to take third place with Habana fourth and this quartet were a long way clear of kennelmates Mabel and Rose who took fifth and sixth.
In the pups, five hounds pulled clear right from the off and the quintet remained clear throughout the rest of the race. Dropping down the back fell and the Wilson & Westmorland's good runner Tiagress had fifty yards or more lead. When they came over the skyline, Jackie Boy had joined the leader and Ricky Deacon & Paul Nicholson's charge pulled away well up the hill to score his second win by ten yards or so. Ooh La La put in a good performance to take third place ahead of Betty Boo with fourth and Huntsman's Future fifth. Border River took sixth place and Thorn Boy was seventh (see Photo Gallery).
The open maiden trail Dixie Moon provided the perfect 29th anniversary present for Derrick & Carolyn Hill when winning the open maiden trail in very good style. Coming off the back fell, there were plenty of hounds in conterntion but when they showed on the finish two had pulled clear and Dixie Moon pulled away up the hill to beat Silent Witness by about ten yards. Thorn Girl finished well to take third place for Joanna with Wattmore, Highwayman and Eden Roberta close in behind.
Last but not least the open restricted and Russell & Wendy Dawson's veteran Ms Dynamite absolutely flew up the hill, coming from fourth place to just pip the Holmes' Sundown at the line. The Martin's Martaura was close up in third place and these three had pulled away from Wisla, Park Top and Dusty Hare.
Saturday 11 September
Off over the tops once again, this time just as far as the King George for the reinstated Eskdale Puppy Show Meeting. A good slip of nineteen seniors and Cinnabar was installed as favourite on the back of her recent sparkling form. Alles Springs set a ferocious early pace and by the time they had reached Bower House she had already established a good lead ahead of Courtesy. Round at Low Place and Alles Springs still held the advantage but the bitch hound went wrong allowing Courtesy to take up the running and from here the Rosthwaite bitch went away with quite a good lead over Desire and these two were well clear of the rest. From here back to the field and it was the Jackson, Loan & Smith's Courtesy that dropped in with the lead but by now Huntsman's Charm and Cinnabar had caught up and these three were now clear and this was how they finished. Courtesy ran on well to score a well deserved first open win by a few yards. Westgate Renney finished well to take fourth ahead of Alles Springs with Hot Flush in sixth.
In the maidens, Cannavaro and Jack Flash were leading the way but a scale at Bower House meant that the 17 runners went away strung out. However, round at Low Place, Cannavaro had again taken the initiative but he made the same mistake as Alles Springs and from here Foxparke Homeward Bound, Foxy Lady and Denial went away with a good lead. Back to the field and the leaders had bunched back up , Jack Flash and Farmer contested the lead dropping in but when they showed on the finish, Nicola and Robyn Napier's Foxparke Homeward Bound, who was entrusted to Steph Steele's care for the day, had drawn well clear and won easily in the end. Tony Jackson & Ian Rudd's Ellie Vee finished well to pip Jim Bob Batty's Framer for second and Jack Flash was fourth. These four had pulled clear of Cannavaro and Denial which took fifth and sixth respectively.
The eleven strong puppy field included some interesting runners, the champion elect Westgate Gypsy, the Dog Produce winner Altanic and other talented hounds such as Medwyn, Da Look and Colleen. Going up the trod shortly after the slip and they were travelling well with Medwyn and Colleen up at the front. The next time you see them they are dropping in for the finish and virtually all of the runners were in contention. Medwyn got a few yards at one point but was soon joined again by the others and as they appeared on the finish any of them couldve won as they were all in a bunch. However, Colleen produced the best turn of foot to earn her fifth win and complete a winning double for the kennel. It was close for all the other tickets but Da Look took second ahead of Momentum, Ryans Lady Anna, Westgate Gypsy and Medwyn.
Last but not least the open restricted and as they showed on the finish, Shifter had a commanding lead over Celtic Brave which in turn was well clear of the rest. Dropping in and Celtic Brave made good headway and it looked as though these two were going to come together. However, when they came they had bunched up and George Birkett's Langdale Smiler, which was third dropping in, had come to the fore and looked all over the winner. Celtic Spirit had other ideas and finished really well to just get up on the line and take the spoils for Sean & Miles Pirie. Loch Lomond was third ahead of Westgate Ripple and Celtic Brave and Shifter eventually got fifth and sixth.
Thursday 9 September
Thank you to Dave for his report:
Good fields of runners at Calebreak for the three races and a pleasant evening, seniors first up and Pat and Jane Laidlers Mabel was installed favourite, although she has only recently been showing the sort of sparkling form she showed as a pup, her chance was obvious. As they set off Sweet Pea led them to the corner, with Mika taking up the running out onto the fell. No viewing from this point until they come onto the finish, unless of course you fancy a drive out to Fellside, and when they came into view it was Amy Jo that led followed by Sparrowmire Jill and Sunshine, but to the dismay of the "all in" bookies, super fast finisher Mabel was handily placed about twenty yards behind. She remained in that position as if biding her time for the clean running out of the sieves as Sunshine took up the running, and as soon as she hit the clean running the response was immediate and breathtaking as she simply took off and put the race at her mercy in a matter of strides to win comfortably and impressively. Sunshine and Sparrowmire Jill had a tremendous tustle for second, with the latter just getting the verdict, Amy Jo kept on for fourth with Roulette in fifth and Dizee Rascal sixth. The report from Fellside was that Mika was just ahead of Dizzee Rascal, the fellow who gave me this information then went on to say that he fancied Sparrowmire Jill would be my winner "without" and he was right. It would be nice if I could say it was kind of him to tell me this without it costing me too much, but he was to plunder my sachel in the next race, alls fair in love and war, and the same applies in the betting ring.
And so onto the pup race, and an intriguing race too. New favourite for the puppy championship Westgate Gypsy lining up against dual C & D winner Border River and the exciting Colleen, with the consistent Blackbird and Ooh La La also in the field. As they went out onto the fell it was Colleen and Ooh la La making the running, Blackbird was tracking them and Gypsy was content to bowl along in about sixth, apologies I couldn't make Border River out right side on. The report came in from Fellside, and this time I was told what my winner was likely to be this time in the form of a £100 bet not a word in my shell-like, no grumbles from me, I was happy to lay the bet, my liabilities at that point were with one of it's rivals, but not now! Onto the finish and my fate was sealed, I'd bet without Westgate Gypsy, who was nicely clear of Border River, who of course was now my bogey and well clear of Blackbird, who in turn had a healthy advantage over Ooh La La. They continued to be well strung out but the next two came together, with Colleen finishing just the better to claim fifth ahead of Temperance.
Last up was the restricted, and a nice touch was landed from the Borrowdale valley. Course specialist Miss Dynamite was installed the 6-4 favourite, but it was Courtesy that was backed off the boards and it was she that led onto the fell. Onto the finish and it was a two dog race with Courtesy and Kingdom well clear and these two fought it out all the way down the finish, and as hard as Kingdom tried, Courtesy always seemed to have the upper hand. Watching these two battle it out I saw something coming out of the corner of my eye, and looked around to see that Miss Dynamite was absolutely airborne, but unfortunately she had far too much to do and finished third. Wisla finished just ahead of High Patrol in fourth, with the handsome Hutton Toyah finishing in sixth.
Wednesday 8 September
The last of the Low Place series on a lovely sunny evening and another senior win for the in form Cinnabar. The three year old is in tremendous fettle and scored her fourth win within the period of a week when leading down past the field and running on well to beat Foxparke Homeward Bound, which ran another cracking race by fifteen yards or so. Desire was a similar distance adrift in third, having lost a place coming round onto the finish and these three had quite a nice lead over Foxparke Lady Margaret, Cavendish and Foxparke Blowing Wind.
The puppy trail resulted in a very easy win for John Palmer's Medwyn who is currently in the care of Ian Donaldson while John is on his holidays. The talented youngster had pulled clear as they headed for the finish and maintained her advanatage to score unchallenged. This was her 12th win of the season and she is gradually working her way into the championship reckoning. There was a very close race for second and after consultation with the camera, the judge 'Ructions' declared that Night Spirit had just got there by 'a nose and a bit' ahead of Lady Anna Ryans. These two were clear of Alana in fourth and Romulus and Mitredale John's Lass claimed the other minor tickets.
Several hounds held winning chances in the open restricted but it was Justify that came into the final field with the lead. Unfortunately he took too much interest in his rivals and although he won, he was disqualified for alleged interference. All the ticketing hounds were closely bunched and Newtown Ghost was promoted to first with Denial second and Team Spirit third. Foxparke Tiddlywink rounded off a good evening for Nicola, Robyn and Ellie by taking fourth, Mitredale Gem was fifth and Red Pike sixth.
Tuesday 7 September
A return to Birkett Field, Threlkeld for the first time for a few seasons and in the senior trail the Martin's Mika and the Laidler & Bunting's Rose were setting the pace as they set off down the bottoms and climbed out at the other end of the valley at Setmabanning. As the reached the top of the fell, the Glaister's Westgate Kyza took the initiative ahead of these two with the Bland & Barrow pair Jenny's Dream and Huntsman's Chance not too far behind. The next time you see them they appear over the skyline and drop down onto the finish and by this point four hounds were still closely grouped. It was Kyza, Chance, Dream and Rose but the last named lost ground somewhere coming down and this left the other three to fight out the finish. From here a nip and tuck battle ensued with the lead changing hands several times but it was 'Kyza' that asserted in the end, just getting up on the line to beat Chance into second with Jenny's Dream close up third. Huntsman's Charm made good late ground to come through and take fourth place ahead of Rose and Mika took the sixth place ticket.
In the puppy trail there were 12 runners and the hot favourite was Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy. It was the Jackson & Co's Colleen and the Deacon & Nicholson's Jackie Boy that were up front in the early stages along with the newlywed Amy & Duncan's The Puddle Jumper but they were joined by 'Gypsy' climbing out onto the fell at the far end as well as the Steele's Colourful. As they went through thet had a couple of misses but 'Gypsy' still had the advantage when they went out of sight. Coming over the top onto the finish and the leaders seemed to run too far to our left and when I got my eye on them again, three hounds were clear namely Huntsman's Future, Jackie Boy and Colourful. As in the senior trail another good finish developed and all the way to the line it looked as though any of the trio could win but it was Colourful that producved the best finish, coming from third place late on to earn her first open win of the season. Jackie Boy was second andf Future third and these three were clear of Colleen and Betty Boo. Three hounds ended up going back and these included Westgate Gypsy.
There was disappointment in the open maidens when 20 of the 28 runners went left handed from the slip and struck the finishing end of the trail. There was no alternative but to declare the trail void and just for the record Roulette beat Waltzing Matilda the right way round and Fortitude beat Davina and Thorn Girl the wrong way round!
An adjustment to the position of the open restricted slip meant they had no problems and we were treated to yet another exciting finish. The Bell's Howgill Sandy was leading early on but plenty of hounds were in contention all the way through and when they came over the top it was Graham & Julie Burkinshaw's pair Boreas and Kingdom leading the charge. The O'Brien's Not Now Jack and the Graham's Jordan's Tyke were close in behind and after a good race it was Jordan's Tyke that just got the verdict ahead of Boreas and Kingdom. Dusty Hare finished well to take fourth for Margaret with Not Now Jack in fifth and Dairy Singer sixth.
Thank you to David for the following report:
Turned up at Birkett Field last night, put my board up and then realised if you robbed the punters who were there at gunpoint there wouldn't be enough money to cover the three bookies who'd turned up's expenses, so after hearing there were only nine runners I decided to defect to Dean. It is often said, but has never been more apparent, that the sport cannot stand two fixtures clashing anymore, let alone three with the shortage of dogs, bookmakers and especially paying punters. This weekend will again emphasise this, I support the trails closest to home the best I can, but Saturday sees the Michael Renney memorial trails at Redmain clashing with Eskdale, I predict no bookie turning up at Eskdale leading to frustration for the punters who turn up there. It would seem some people care little for the betting fraternity, but no bookmakers and no punters equates to the death knell of the sport. To me the best thing to have done would be to move Redmain to Sunday saving the Eskdale pup show fixture, and move Helton to a free date (last Tuesday we were twiddling our thumbs), or cancel it.
On to Dean, and championship contender Darling lined up against the classy Quiet Swallow, who has been running extremely well of late, and the first shot fired across the bookies masts was a flood of money for Swallow without Darling and for Rhinestone Cowboy without those two as the first blow reported these three were well clear. As they came onto the cart track the sun made for difficult viewing and I thought there was two dogs clear of another three, but I was informed I'd missed the first two who were clear of those. As they came onto the finish it was apparent it was the two principal contenders, no price had been offered Darling and some may have thought she may have been in some danger as Swallow took a couple of lengths lead in the field approaching the final gate, but by the time they hit the gate Darling had asserted by about ten yards, which quickly became twenty or thirty, and although she eased a little at the line, had put the race to bed, another impressive performance to go six clear of her nearest rival in her quest to be a worthy successor to her brilliant kennelmate. Hunters lane did what he always seems to do here, and made remarkable ground in the latter stages of the race to go third, just ahead of Rhinestone Cowboy, with a good race between three for the minors, with Infinity getting up for fifth from Levi and Brannigan just out.
The pups saw the finish of the night, Angel again didn't show any enthusiasm and dropped out early and Pot Look didn't seem to get away too well either, but he was bang there when it mattered as he came on the finish with Blackbird and kennelmate Da Look for company with Cracking Sunset also in the fray. The first three had a tremendous tussle, and thirty yards from the line Blackbird took up the running, which seemed to spur the kennelmates on and they both put in a determined effort, with Da Look forging ahead ten yards from the line to win by about a neck from his kennelmate, with Blackbird close up in third, Cracking not far behind in fourth, Altanic fifth and Waver Rock sixth.
A good betting heat in the last with several dogs quite heavily backed, one of those being C & D winner Wisla. We were treat to another thrilling finish as Wisla was to fight it out with White Diamond, and it was neck and neck all the way up the finish, with Wisla just going on before the line to win by about half a length, the consistent veteran Linsdale was back in third with Truthful, who had a lot of work to do from the early stages of the race running on very strongly in fourth to pip Lambrini into fifth with Cracking Thore close behind in sixth.
Monday 6 September
Off to Low Place tonight and thankfully it was another nice night as the rain that was forecast held off until just before we were setting off home.
The senior trail looked an interesting contest with all three previous winners at the venue namely Cinnabar, Mabel and Velvet in the line up along with Desire, Miss Molly and Habana. However, two of the fancied hounds, Mabel and Velvet were amongst five that returned to the start after about quarter of an hour or so. The report from the puppy trailers was that Cinnabar was in front just ahead of Desire and when they showed the in form Little Langdale bitch still had the advantage and she drew away coming down the fell past the field. This proved crucial in the end and although Desire made ground again the closing stages, Cinnabar had enough in hand to earn her third win in the period of six days by about twenty yards.The ever present Miss Molly was third and Foxparke Homeward Bound ran a fine race in fourth with Amy Jo and Habana taking the minor tickets.
There was a very good class field of pups and as they dropped down the fell there were six closely grouped and although the favourite Medwyn led in out of sight, Tiagress, Ooh La La!, Enoch, Lady Anna Ryans and Tagget were all close in behind. They remained in a bunch all the way round onto the finish and coming into the final field a close race ensued for all the tickets. Ooh La La! and Tagget were the first two over the line but were later disqualified for alleged interference and so Enoch was promoted to first ahead of Tiagress and Lady Anna Ryans.
In the open restricted, Alles Springs used up her final 'life' in this grade in very impressive style much to the delight of her handler, Stuart Jeynes. She had a good lead going down past the field (so much so I missed her!) and maintained it all the way to the line to easily beat Ms Dynamite which finished well to beat Mitredale Gem, Foxparke Tiddlywink, Newtown Clover and Snow Peak.
Sunday 5 September
Thank you to David for this report:
A strong wind but pleasant enough day at Lorton, which is now the venue of Loweswater show.
The senior race saw Molly Malone sent off the red hot favourite, and she was reported to be well clear dropping down the fell, but on the final descent she had been joined by Westgate Renney and Sunshine and the race looked to concern these three, who were well clear. It's never over until the fat lady sings though as they say, and we were commenting that "they've been too long" and to everybodies amazement Mayfair emerged into view with a very slender lead on Westgate Renney, these two had a tremendous duel to the line with Renney just getting on top by about a head, the younger legs beating the legendary finishing pace of Mayfair. Quiet Swallow claimed third ticket and Mayfly fourth, Sunshine had dropped back to fifth and Davina was sixth, it's anybodies guess how they changed, but it was very warm and there's water in there. It's also reputed to be a little tricky. Molly Malone usually thrives the in these conditions, so her dropping out of contention is quite baffling.
There was a good field of maidens and going across the fell Newtown ghost was well to the fore as was Sweet Pea, but going to the far end out of sight, first Cavendish took the lead and then kennelmat Canavaro passed several dogs to take up the running going out of sight. Dropping onto the finish I never got a look at them, but I'm told Spot On was in front of Quiet Swift. Back into view onto the finish Canavaro was back in front with his kennelmate Cavendish not too far behind, but we were to witness a flying finish from Jim Battys Ramblin Rose, who got up right on the line to take the spoils. I have to say it's not often one of Jims win and the bookies remain dry eyed! Canavaro ran on well enough but was just run out of it close home, cavendish ran a solid race in third with Quiet Swift fourth, Sweet Pea fifth and Spot On sixth.
Disappointing turn out in the pups with only six runners, they got a bit wrong going out and the favourite Westgate Gypsy turned back to the start, followed by Waver Lady, they eventually went back on the trail but minutes behind. Onto the finish and it was a two dog race dropping in, Jacob McLink and Altanic nicely clear, and when they came back into view Jacob was clear of his rival to win easily, he's a very capable dog on his day, as proved at the International. Altanic was a clear second and Gypsy made a lot of ground up to be third, Thorn boy was fourth, Waver Lady fifth and Night Spirit sixth.
Last up were the pup maidens and quite a competetive betting heat, one of the best backed being Bingo, and dropping in off the fell it was well clear. Onto the finish though and there was work to do, into the last field Quiet Bullfinch looked to have an unassailable lead, but the stride shortened approaching the line and Bingo was flying in pursuit, and took a flying leap right at the line to just get up. Morning Service showed a liking for the course in third with the consistent Endurance in fourth, True Blue fifth and Temperance sixth.
Saturday 4 September
Another beautiful sunny afternoon and in the senior trail, Denis Peare & Jackie Gill's Cinnabar followed up her Low Place victory with another good performance to earn the AlfThompson Memorial Shield. The reports from outside were that the Little Langdale bitch was always prominent along with Habana, Rose and Della and as they appeared on the finish, the three year old was a few yards in front of Habana and these two were about thirty yards clear of Della who in turn was well clear of the rest. Cinnabar was never headed in the closing stages although Habana got upsides at one point, but 'Poppy' pulled away again up the hill and in the end scored in good style. Della ran on well to fill the other principle place with Rose in fourth clear of both Dizzee Rascal and Langdale Trooper in fifth and sixth.
In the pups, the Whitehaven area raiders, Pot Look and Da Look were the first and second favourites and when they showed on the finish they were indeed first and second closely pursued by Colourful and Border River and these four had stolen a few yards. Pot Look was quite impressive in the closing stages, maintaining his advantage and running on strongly to claim the Gordon Bell Memorial Trophy in good style. The Calebreak victor, Border River finished well to take second place ahead of Da Look with Colourful, an absentee last time, running another good race to take fourth. Nemesis came through late to take fifth place and Poker Face was sixth.
In the open restricted, the Oldcorn & Petersen's Team Spirit was installed as favourite on the strength of his good run in third place in the senior trail last time here and when they appeared he was right in the shake up along with Lambrini, Negress and Linsdale. In the final few fields a good race developed between Lambrini and Team Spirit and coming over the last brow towards the line they were closely matched. Gillian Simpson's Lambrini just pulled out a bit extra to assert by a couple of lengths and the veteran hound earned the Elizabeth Oldcorn Memorial Trophy. Tranquility absolutely flew up the hill to take third after only showing in eighth position with Negress fourth, Jordan's Dream fifth and Langdale Smiler sixth.
The fourth place gained by Negress proved enough to win the Advertiser Trophy given for the hound getting most points in any grade at the three Ulverston area Show meetings, namely Cartmel (where she was 2nd), Rusland (5th) and Lowick. Her total of ten was just one more than Magic Bay, Bonny Lass, Team Spirit, Habana and Della who all ended on nine! Well done Steph.
Thursday 2 September
Thank you David for this report:
I've put some miles in this season and tonight I decided to take it easy by leaving the board in the car and joining the ranks of the punter and enjoying watching the dogs at this excellent trailing venue.
Having seen title rival Huntsmans Dazzler fail to ticket at Calebreak, this was Darlings chance to open up a five point lead at the top of the table, and she took the initiative in some style. She was sent off the red hot 1-3 favourite and we gathered to watch them go through at half way, into view and it was the predicted pace-setter Rhinestone Cowboy in front with a nice lead on Brannigan and Dairy Singer, but the favourite was tucked in going cosily in fourth, these four had a good lead on Quiet Swallow, with another fancied hound Mayfair a long way back and a lot of work to do, as she often finds herself at this stage of the race at this venue. Back into view under the wood on the horizon and the writing was on the wall for the all-in bookies as a ghostly white figure jumped the gate and dropped in unchallenged, Rhinestone Cowboy and Brannigan were duelling for second, but ominously for the bookies who bet without the favourite, Quiet Swallow was only ten yards behind them. Back into view and Darling was still in splendid isolation and strolled home for another comfortable success, Quiet Swallow had now moved into second and went on to finish about thirty yards clear of Brannigan in third, with the enigmatic and undoubtedly speedy Rhinestone Cowboy strolling over the line in fourth, these were a long way clear of Mayfair, who had made up remarkable ground to get a ticket, with Hunters Lane in sixth.
The pups looked a good race, and the first bookie to open up put Reg Bells Enoch up at a generous looking 3-1 without Da Look, the price wasn't there for long, and when the all in bookies followed suit at 3-1, the price came crashing down to evens as she vied for the lead through the bottoms with Alan Blacklocks talented Blackbird and the Irvine and McLellands Da Look. Onto the finish and it was now Enoch and Blackbird contesting the lead with Da Looks Kennelmate Pot Look chasing hard in third, I can only assume Da Look had made an error somewhere because it wasn't with them. What a great duel ensued, Enoch asserted by about a length on the undulating finish, then they both collided coming out of the dip stopping them both in their tracks, Enoch then went on again but as the line approached Blackbird on the bottom side put in a really determined effort getting about level twenty yards from the tape with Enoch pulling out more to go on again only for Blackbird to put in one last late lunge at the line. Opinion in the betting ring was split as to what had won, and the camera was consulted, after what seemed like an age the first ticket was handed to Reggie, a fantastic finish and credit to both hounds who gave it 100%. Pot Look wasn't far back in third and there was a long gap back to Waver Rock in fourth, Da Look fifth and Paddys return Sixth. A pup maiden caught my eye leading in the second group but put in a couple of "wheelies" and finished out of the tickets.
The restricted race was last up and although a fairly competitive field, it didn't inspire much betting action. Going through the bottoms and The Penny Arcade was setting the pace being chased by consistent veteran Linsdale with Loch Lomond also close up, course specialist and another veteran Calzaghe was running about eighth. Into view and Linsdale had about twenty yards ahead of the field, and back over the rise still had the initiative, but the cries went up of "What price Calzaghe?". Sure enough with about 100 yards to go Calzaghe drew upsides, and although Linsdale stuck in gamely, the old lad drew away to win a shade cosily, with Random Star running on extremely well to deny Linsdale for second. The Penny Arcade who had been prominent throughout finished fourth, Loch Lomond fifth and Birkby Tan sixth.
Wednesday 1 September
Another lovely evening and a very pleasant meeting at Low Place.
First up the senior trail and Denis Peare & Jackie Gill's Cinnabar followed up a promising run at Salter when easily scoring her fifth win of the season. As they dropped in off the fell to come past the field, the Little Langdale bitch had already established a good lead which she maintained all the way to the line.
The next group consisted of four hounds namely Miss Molly, Amy Jo, Velvet and Desire and this was the order as they went in out of sight. Round onto the finish and Amy Jo had moved into second place a few yards ahead of Desire and the last named finished well to take second by a couple of lengths. Miss Molly came through to take fourth with Velvet fifth and these were a long way clear of the eventual sixth, Sunlight.
John Palmer's Medwyn put in another good performance to comfortably win the puppy trail. The talented youngster moved onto the 11 win mark when pulling clear in the closing stages to triumph impressively. A good race developed for second, third and fourth and it was Tagget that claimed the runners up spot, a good effort on her debut at the venue, ahead of Ooh La La! (which had led for a bit coming past) and Tiagress. Ryans Lady Anna and Night Spirit filled the minor ticketing places.
There was a healthy slip of 32 in the open maidens and it was Not Now Jack that emerged victorious for a delighted Debbie. He led off the fell and down past the field with Fortitude and another hound that I didn't recognise but must have been Lady Anna Ryans in hot pursuit. Thorn Girl was fourth, Temperance fifth and Wattmore sixth at this point but when they came onto the finish, Not Now Jack had pulled clear and won quite easily, Thorn Girl ran on well to take second with Temperance third, Lady Anna Ryans fourth, Fortitude fifth and Wattmore sixth.
Last but not least the veterans and Sophisticated Lady deservedly bagged another six points in her quest to retain the veteran championship crown. The seven year old came with a good lead (as I correctly predicted David not that I'm smug or anything!) and never looked in danger of being caught. Lambrini ran a fine race for Gillian in second ahead of the favourite, Ms Dynamite who also loves it here and the local dog Mitredale was not too far adrift in fourth. This quartet had pulled a long way clear of Downtown and Pursuit which claimed fifth and sixth respectively.
was fourth coming off the fell and had just about hit the front when straightening up to get over the line after the others had veered off towards the fence in the dying strides. Lady Anna Ryans was awarded the runners up rosette after the disqualification of the originally second placed hound for alleged interference with Delahoya third, Temperance fourth, Sambo fifth and Endurance sixth.
Another good race developed in the open restricted trail. Coming off the fell, Sundown was in front ahead of Brannigan, Rose and Levi and it was these four that contested the finish. Brannigan took the lead coming across the road and through the last gate but faded into fourth place up the hill and this allowed Sundown back past to take the honours. Once in front the dog hound ran on well to beat Rose which just got up to beat Levi for second. Bonny Lass took fifth and Hutton Toyah sixth.
Saturday 28 August
Low Place by David Howson, better late than never (his words not mine!)
Early start at Low Place for four races, and good races they were too.
Old dogs first up, and Molly Malone was installed as favourite on the back of a promising close up third last time, but as they dropped down the fell towards the finish she wasn't among the principals, Amy Jo led with Rose for company, but Roses kennelmate and previous course and distance winner Mabel was handily placed behind. I went up to the corner of the field to watch them come back up the fields before they pop out onto the finish, and back into view it was Amy Jo that led again after being headed by Rose going out of sight, but fast finisher Mabel was right on their heels. Out of the brackens and onto the finish and Mabel had struck the front, and won by a comfortable length or so from her kennelmate, with Amy Jo close up in third. Tearaway Lady had made good ground on the leading trio in fourth having not been in the first six dropping in, Miss Molly was fifth and Foxparke Homeward Bound (this kennel costs me a fortune in marker pens!) ran a cracker in sixth, having always been amongst the leaders.
The pups saw a small field of six, and Medwyn was the hot favourite. Dropping off the fell she had a commanding lead, but instead of turning at the wall she ran off in the other direction allowing the others to catch up and five of them were at the wall together. It didn't take the favourite long to reassert though, and she was back in front dropping out of sight, and indeed came through to win comfortably by about twenty yards from the consistent Ryans Lady Anna. Night Spirit was third, Ryans Lad who had vied for the lead all the way going out on the start running a belting race close up in fourth and Larrys Lass also ran well, and wasn't far behind in fifth. The enigmatic Angel had got wrong at the start getting stuck on a gate I am told, and was dropping in just to the left of the catchers as the whistles went on, so she ran to the whistles and never completed the course.
The non winners was a very competetive affair, and lots had chances. Going out of sight Fortitude had a nice lead pursued by Miss Idaho and Foxparke Lady Margaret, but there were plenty with chances. Back into view and it was all change, Ruby and Segal were nicely clear, Ruby finishing just the better to take the spoils for a delighted Maurice Tunstall. She has been running consistently well in maiden races this season. Segal was clear for second, Prospect third, Lady Anna Ryans fourth, Foxparke Lady Margaret fifth and Divot sixth.
Last up was the restricted, and course specialist Shifter was installed the 6-4 favourite, and when they came into view she held a nice advantage and never looked in danger of being headed, although fast finishing Mitredale Gem was in third spot. Out of the brackens onto the finish though and Shifter still had a nice lead, and although glancing round to see where the others were, she never lost any momentum and won cosily. Foxparke Tiddlywink was second and Mitredale Gem third, just as they'd shown dropping in, Snow Peak was fourth, Newtown Clover fifth and Sunlight sixth.
Monday 30 August
The Whitehaven area Classic at Salter has been blighted over the past two or three years by miserable weather conditions but this year it was a beautiful sunny day and we were treated to clear views of the hounds in action all through the afternoon. The field provides a natural grandstand for spectators and the view off the bank of the finishes is second to none. The five trails all went off smoothly and I heard comment made on several occasions that this is what hound trailing is all about. Here here!
First up was the senior trail and although there were only ten contenders a good race developed between the first four. Coming into sight along Crag Farm trail field and this quartet had the race between them. Off the glasses we could pick out Mayfair, Cinnabar and Quiet Swallow but were unsure what the other one was. They remained closely grouped all the way up the wood side and through the fields approaching the finish and when they came into sight in the closing stages Quiet Swallow had taken the lead ahead of Cinnabar with Jet Rose and the favourite Mayfair not far behind. From the last gate Mayfair got a good run and for a while it looked as though she was going to pass Swallow but the two year old stuck in gamely and held off the challenge to win by half a length. Cinnabar ran on to take third and Jet Rose had put in a good performance in fourth. Molly Malone was a distant fifth and in turn was well clear of No Chance in sixth.
In the senior maiden trail there was a good slip of 27 and most of them remained in contention all through the first half of the trail and by the time they reached Crag Farm there were still plenty in with chances. This remained the case all the way to the finish and as they appeared out of the trees it was Foxparke Homeward Bound that led from Jealousy and Roulette. Jealousy finished well up the final straight and just got up on the line to beat Foxparke and in doing so became the first hound to win two Classics in the same season, following her win at Cold Fell at the beginning of May! Roulette ran on strongly to claim third and these three had drawn away from Jack Flash, Waltzing Matilda and Meadow Patch which took the remaining tickets.
Another small field of ten in the puppy trail and climbing up under the wood the lead was alternating between Medwyn, Colleen and Enoch with most of the others closely grouped in behind. Coming out onto the finish and it was Da Look that led from Nike with Medwyn, Ooh La La! and Colleen close in behind. Da Look ran wide at the last gate and jumped the fence further down and this left Nike in front. The pair stumbled a bit at a gully and this allowed Colleen, which had moved up to fourth by then to get back in touch and from here the Rosthwaite bitch took the lead and ran on gamely to hold off the challenge from Nike who had renewed her bid. Medwyn came through to take third with Da Look fifth, Ooh La La! fifth and Cracking Sunset sixth.
In the puppy maiden trail, another exciting finish developed as once again there were plenty in with chances at the business end. Temperance had done most of the driving outside and Delahoya had also been prominent. Colourful was gradually making her way through the field and took closer order in the fields heading for the finish, moving in to fourth place going out of sight. When they showed on the finish, Delahoya had taken the initiative ahead of Temperance and Endurance with Colourful still fourth. Coming up the final field and it was Endurance that hit the front but in the closing stages, Colourful produced a terrific finishing burst, moving through from fourth to just get the verdict at the line. Temperance finished well to take second and a dead heat was declared between Delahoya and Endurance for third. Nemesis took fifth and Jackie sixth.
Penny Swanton's veteran hound Some Girl emerged victorious in the open restricted trail by a couple of lengths in the end. Most of the 38 runners went round en masse and going in out of sight for the finish there must have been twenty hounds or more still in contention. Coming out of the trees and Some Girl and Dairy Singer were closely matched at the front and these two had a few yards. However, Singer's challenge faded in the final field and it was White Diamond that caught the eye, coming through from fifth place on the whistles to take second place with Rose third, Linsdale fourth, Singer fifth and Cracking Thore sixth.
Sunday 29 August
An early start for Grasmere Sports and I'm sure Jimmy Glaister would've been very proud as daughter and grand daughter, Susan and Sarah completed a winning double with their Westgate pair Renney and Gypsy in the senior and junior trails respectively.
The pups go first and 'Gypsy' was installed as the hot favourite in a field of eight. Coming round the corner heading for the finish and it was Tiagress that led by a few yards with Altanic in second, Gypsy third and Colourful fourth and these four looked to have the race between them. Climbing up to the 'mens point' and the first three bunched up, Colourful lost ground here somewhere and when they turned to drop in 'Gypsy' took the lead and from here gained about twenty yards advantage. Dropping in Altanic was in hot pursuit and although he made ground crossing the last road, 'Gypsy' ran on well and had enough in hand to score her 15th win by a few yards. Tiagress took third with Colourful in fourth just ahead of Jacob McClink and Morning Service won the race for the remaining ticket.
In the open restricted, two hounds had pulled clear and it was Courtesy that showed in front of Deja Vu. Heading towards the mens point and Courtesy made a mistake and this left Deja Vu with a good lead as they turned to drop in. On the descent, Courtesy gave chase and made a lot of ground again in the closing stages but just failed to get there on the line and Deja Vu held on to triumph by half a length or so. Alles Springs ran a very good race to take third place with he Penny Arcade fourth, Deco fifth and Tranquility sixth.
In the veteran trail the finish concerned four hounds and coming into sight Sophisticated Lady was in front of Misty, Ms Dynamite and Huntsman's Ruler. Climbing up to the highest point and Misty took the lead with Ms Dynamite moving through into second. These two had a good battle dropping in and were closely matched all the way down to the road. From here Ms Dynamite asserted and got a few lengths lead and although Misty came back strongly on the run to the line, Ms Dynamite hung on to claim the spoils. Sophisticated Lady ran on well to take third ahead of Huntsmans and Pursuit and Magic Bay were a distant fifth and sixth.
The senior trail dubbed as the Fell Hound Derby was contested by twelve hounds. A few of us went along the road to Knott Houses to watch them through the fell and it was Velvet that took the lead on the ascent ahead of Gentle Lady, Desire, Crystal and Ivy Crag and these five had stolen a march on the others as they went away out of our sight. From here back to the field and the next view is coming back through the top heading for the finish. By now, Velvet and Desire had pulled clear of Ivy Crag and Gentle Lady with Crystal and the others not far behind. Out of sight across the ghyll and it was all change as when they next appeared round the corner as none of the first four remained in contention. Huntsman's Dazzler led ahead of Crystal, Matador, Huntsman's Charm and Westgate Renney. Turning in for the finish and Renney had made further headway and the two year old took the lead on the last bit of the descent and despite the best efforts of Dazzler to get back on terms 'Renney' held on to record his first victory and complete a memorable winning double for Susan and Sarah. Crystal, who loves it here ran on to take the third ticket with Matador fourth, 'Charm' fifth and Mayfly sixth.
Saturday 28 August
Sandale
Weather conditions were good, windy but dry journey up had been very wet in the middle between Coniston and Grasmere, crowd was good considering three meets today. In the senior trail 18 hounds took to the trail reports from the road before hitting the fell was that MIka was going well, coming onto the final stages of the trail Darling had established a good lead and didnt look as if she was going to get caught, Mika was in second around 75 yards behind the rest of the field was spread out, turning onto the finish Darling had maintained her lead and took the spoils, Quiet Swallow showed second with Levi third, Brannigan finished strongly to take fourth, Mika fifth and Top Man taking sixth place on the line.
Fourteen maidens took to the trail (unfortunately missed these going through was on the computer), was told that Cavendish and Cannavaro had crossed a road in first and second place, showing on the final part of the trail Dynajet 08 had a 100 yards lead on kennel mates Cavendish and Cannavaro, this didnt change during the final parts with Dynajet 08 winning comfortably from Cavendish with Cannavaro in third, Brad the Lad in fourth these four were clear of the field with Lingbeck Shadow narrowly beating Spot on for fifth and sixth place.
Patterdale Show
Just five runners in the senior trail and of these two struggled in the fields just after the slip and didn't make it onto the fell. So that left three and Jenny's Dream took an early lead climbing out ahead of Mayfair and Huntsman's Chance and from then on 'Snoopy' led almost all the way. Having established a good lead coming down the 'pipetrack' towards the road crossing, Dream got himself a bit wrong allowing the other two to catch up and across the road all three were closely grouped. After this the next time you see them is coming off the top onto the finish and when they appeared Snoopy was still in front with 'Chance' close behind and these two had pulled clear of Mayfair. They remained in this order all the way to line with Dream running out an easy winner in the end ahead of Chance. Mayfair made up a lot of ground in the closing stages.
Next up were the pups and of the eight runners there were several interesting contenders. A big rain shower arrived just as they showed going through the skyline at the mid point of the trail and although you couldn't identify them you could see that there were two groups of three hounds and these six had pulled away from the other two runners. Coming over the top onto the finish and Colleen and Huntsman's Future had a nice lead over Kingdom, Tagget, Betty Boo and Connie. Turning in, Colleen pulled away but got herself wrong and put a circle in and as a result only joined back in fourth place. This left the other three clear and approaching the last fence Kingdom and Tagget were together. They ran a little too far to their right coming to the line and went behind the catchers. Kingdom was judged first ahead of Tagget but was later disqulaified for alleged interference. Tagget was promoted to first place with 'Future' second and Colleen third.
There was a good field of seventeen in the open restricted trail and it resulted in a win for last years victor, The Real Bandit. The veteran hound led off the top and all the way down and was joined by the winner of last years puppy trail at the final fence. From here Jordan's gained a couple of lengths advantage but Bandit rallied gamely and just got back up at the line to narrowly take the spoils. Boreas was not too far adrift in third place with Langdale Smiler fourth and Waltzing Matilda fifth and these five had drawn clear. Not Now Jack led in the others to take sixth and make it three tickets from three runners for Debbie. Well done!
Thursday 26 August
Thank you to David for this report
Probably twenty years since I was last at Wythop, and I don't recall it being quite so hard to find. I was on the right road but no sign of anybody and the road seemed to go on for ever so I turned back thinking I must be wrong, thankfully I met the Crosbys coming the other way and the night was saved and I arrived just in time for the senior race.
Darling was sent off the odds on favourite after her win last time, and reports from outside suggested she had a lot to do and was at least 200 yards behind the leaders. To be honest, such reports don't worry me. Twice now she has gone through the bottoms at Bridekirk appearing not to be putting her best foot forward and giving ground away, but coming through at the business end to win in style and such was the case at Wythop, she came over the top in splendid isolation and was halfway down the fell before the chasing pack appeared, headed by her kennelmate My Girl with Levi and veteran Eden Rusty for company. As Darling crossed the line alone a good race developed for second, with Eden Rusty eventually pulling away from My Girl, with Quiet Swallow running on very strongly to snatch fourth from Levi, Westgate Kyza put in a disappointing run in sixth, there was good money for him when it was reported Darling had work to do. If you're thinking Rusty must have been a "skinner" for the without bookies, I laid it at 10-1 without three.
The pup race saw Westgate Gypsy backed off the boards, I know my "all in" colleague fancied his chances of getting her beat with Lady Agenda, who had led last time before running off. Over the top and onto the finish it looked like he might be right as Lady Agenda had a few yards over the favourite, these two a further few yards clear of Blackbird. On the descent though Gypsy showed a remarkable turn of speed to draw right away from her rivals, and just before the line Lady Agenda ran wide and behind the judges allowing Blackbird to get close, giving the judge little option to judge the dogs in front of him. It was easy for us spectators to say Agenda was second, but rules are rules as they say, although you have to sympathise with anybody who backed her without the favourite. Blackbird was therefore judged second with Cracking Mischief close up in third. The eyecatcher was Ooh La La who absolutely flew down the finish gaining ground with every stride into fourth, but she too ran behind the judges so Nike was judged fourth, with Lady Agenda eventually being awarded fifth and Ooh La la sixth. I hope my description of events isn't too confusing.
The open maiden race looked wide open as often they do, and there was a bit of a gamble on Dynajet 08, I'm assuming he had ran well there last time when I wasn't there. On the finish there were two clear and ominously one of them was a white 'un. Many thought it was Meadow Patch, anything but Dynajet I thought. On the descent and the "dark lugged" dog in second had made ground on the leader, but in the second last field the lighter dog drew away again, and it dawned on all of us that it was in fact the gamble of the race Dynajet 08, and although he seemed somewhat destracted just before the line allowing Fortitude to get close, he got over the line to land connections a nice little touch. Quiet Swift was third, with Nemesis fourth, Temperence fifth and Brad the Lad sixth.
Wednesday 25 August
Ennerdale Show today, Kirkland Leaps trail with a shorter finish and unlike last year it was a lovely sunny day. Entries were boosted by the fact that the HTA October Meeting is going be held here in a few weeks time and there was an impressive turn out of 130 hounds for the four trails throughout the afternoon.
There was a good class senior field and reports were that Jenny's Dream was driving them going through the fields shortly after the slip. At the road where they cross out of the fields and begin the ascent to the fell, Huntsman's Dazzler took the lead ahead of Matador, Sophisticated Lady and Cinnabar and behind these was a good line of hounds. Climbing out beside the waterfall and Dazzler was joined by the veteran champ Sophisticated, who excels at going uphill with Cinnabar and another which I wasn't sure of also up with the pace. These four had pulled away a little but the others were all closely bunched in behind. From here we dashed back to the field and when they appeared they were well strung out. Molly Malone, a winner here earlier in the season was in front and ran on well to reach double figures and move into third place in the championship table. The four year old beat Valhalla by thirty yards and these two were clear of another course and distance winner Mayfair. Cinnabar was fourth and the maiden Shady Lady fifth and Gentle Lady ran a good race to take sixth place on her debut appearance at the venue.
In the puppy trail a very exciting race developed. Going through the back fell and there were five hounds clear. Medwyn was driving with the improving Kingdom second, Enoch third and Altanic fourth. Dropping down onto the finish and Medwyn and Altanic got sidetracked by a person on the fell and this left three hounds clear with Kingdom in the lead. In out of sight and they bunched up again and jumping the wall into the final straight there was four together. At this point Medwyn had regained the lead with Enoch second, Altanic third and Kingdom fourth. When the whistles went on Altanic responded the best and in a thrilling finish, the Dog Produce winner just got up to beat Medwyn with Kingdom finishing well to pip Enoch for third place. Tagget made a lot of ground up to take fifth and Ryan's Lady Anna was sixth.
In the open maiden trail, the in form Cannavaro and his brother, Rhinestone Cowboy set the early pace and there was a good line of hounds still in contention when they went through the back fell but I've no idea what the leaders were there (sorry!). Coming down onto the finish and three had pulled clear. Silent Witness, another previous winner here was in front with the pup Delahoya second and Roulette third. Jumping the last wall and they remained in this order. From here Roulette came with a good run and hit the front about twenty yards from the tape and the Cockermouth based bitch went on to beat Delahoya by two or three lengths with Silent Witness a similar distance adrift in third. Well done Heidi & John!
Last but not least the open restricted and amongst those prominent climbing onto the fell shortly after the slip were Sundown, Courtesy, Howgill Sandy and Rose. By the time they went through the trod on the back fell, two had drawn well clear of their rivals namely Lofty and Rose and despite running on slightly dropping down onto the finish the duo still had a good advantage. Jumping the wall, Lofty had pulled some ten yards clear of Rose but the Windermere two year old gained all the time and drew level coming off the fell onto the field. From here she pulled ahead and went on to win by a few yards and repeat her success here of the spring. Courtesy ran well to take third place ahead of Ivy Crag, Sundown and Calzaghe.
Tuesday 24 August
Off to Lowick tonight for a four trail meet and the senior trail resulted in the 18th win of the season for Huntsman's Dazzler. Reports from outside were that the three year old had a huge lead and sure enough he had finished before the others had even come onto sight in the fields approaching the finish. A good race developed for the remainder of the tickets with the next five closely bunched when they showed. The Petersen & Oldcorn pair Cavendish and Team Spirit came well in the closing stages to take second and third places with Della not too far behind in fourth and these three pulled clear of Langdale Trooper and Huntsman's Ruler on the run in.
In the puppy trail, there was a good field of ten and it was the Whitehaven area raiders Pot Look and Da Look that came to the fore. Dropping down the back fell there was four hounds clear but I couldn't be sure what they were only that one of them was white! When they showed on the finish the white one, which turned out to be Pot Look was in front with kennelmate Da Look close behind in second and Betty Boo third and these three had pulled clear of Poker Face. All the way down the finish and the two 'Look's were closely matched but it was Pot Look that got the upperhand and went on to win by a couple of lengths. Betty ran on well to take third and Poker Face made quite a lot of ground on the leaders back in fourth.
Next up were the open non winners and there was a small field of six and the reigning champion in this grade John & James Oldcorn's Denial lost her eligibilty in spectacular style. The Cark three year old took the lead from the off and pulled clear by the time they had dropped off the back fell. If anything she had increased her advantage from here and came home alone to win by a distance - and she got a huge round of applause for her efforts, well done Tina! Moon River took second place ahead of Fortitude and these were the only three finishers.
In the open maidens, Cannavaro led into sight on the finish pursued by Sovereign, Wattmore and Temperance and these four had a few yards on the rest. The order stayed the same but as they came into the last field the leaders all jumped the gate to the left, headed for the start and went round again. This left Cotton Eye Joe in front and he ran on well to take the spoils with Domino second and Jordan's Dream third. This win was for you John Lyon, we hope you are feeling better soon.
Sunday 22 August
Thank you to David for this report:
There always seems to be a cold wind blowing at Fellside, but skies were blue so it was a quite pleasant afternoon at Fellside, as opposed to us all freezing the last time we were here.
The senior event looked a good race with former champ Westgate Kyza in the field, Mayfair and recent improvers from last years pup ranks Quiet Swallow, Mika and Mabel, however it was Darling sent off at a skinny looking even money favourite for a dog that hadn't had the advantage of a look round, but class will tell as they say, and on the finish it was the old hand Westgate Kyza and young pretender Darling who were nicely clear. Kyza led into the ravine on the finish, which in all honesty probably helped Darling as he showed her where to go because it looks fairly tricky, as once onto the clean running and the whistles, Darling used her impressive turn of foot to good effect to sprint past and win cosily and go three clear again in the race for the title, what an intriguing contest this is turning into. Sunshine ruined several "without" bets beating Quiet Swallow for third place, with Mika finishing fifth and Dizzee Rascal sixth.
On form there looked to be a good thing in the maidens, many thought Spot On had finished sixth in the old dogs last time but it had ran behind the judges, so was inevitably "backed off the boards" from 2-1 downwards. The favourite had every chance on the finish, but Thorn Girl was always prominent, and she ran on really well to repel the challenge of Spot On in second and Meadow Patch in third. Brad the Lad had led briefly on the climb to the line but faded into fourth, with Meadow Izzie in fifth and Celtic Spirit in sixth, which I'm sure would please connections, as there are trails coming up that will suit better than Fellside.
The pup race was declared void as three were reported to have ran up the finish, a shame for us bookies, as outsider Quiet Goldfinch absolutely flew in to beat form pup Westgate Gypsy with Thorn Boy back in third, Big Mac would be fourth and heavily backed Ooh La La about sixth. Favourite Enoch was on of seven that came back.
There was a big field in the restricted race, and several well fancied hounds, probably the best backed being Martaura who had finished a close second last time. As they came into view it was veterans Calzaghe and Miss Dynamite running wide apart, with Wisla close up in third. Out of the ravine and it looked to be between Clazaghe and Wisla, I'm assuming Miss Dynamite didn't handle the dip too well, I never saw if she ran off again but she fairly flew but never quite got there, Wisla crossing the line just in front at the bottom of the tape with Miss Dynamite at the top near the judges. Calzaghe crossed in third with Rose in fourth, Linsdale fifth and Dusty Hare in sixth. (What price Sunday?)
Onto Eskdale tonight and can I remind all "lowsiders" that the bridge on Birker Moor is closed, especially Neil Webster who had a particularly long round trip to Wasdale last week.
Saturday 21 August
Perfect running conditions for the hounds today at Rusland Show, fine and bright with a lovely breeze. Eleven seniors took their chance and Huntsman's Dazzler kept his championship charge on track when winning his 17th trail in comfortable style. The early pace was set by Dazzlers younger kennelmate Jenny's Dream. At Dale Park after approx seven minutes running the two year old was leading the way ahead of Gentle Lady and Cinnabar and these three had a few yards on Dazzler which was a similar distance in front of Cavendish, Della and Habana. Back to the trail field and you next see them going through the fell under the wood after about twenty minutes. By this stage, Dazzler had established a very good lead over his rivals which were all very strung out. Gentle Lady did her best to make up the deficit and made a lot of ground dropping off the fell to the last road and coming up the finish, the Kendal bitch got to within a hundred yards of him but the three year old had enough in hand and went on to make it three wins from three outings at this venue this year. Habana took third place ahead of Cinnabar and Valhalla just got the better of Della in the race for the minor tickets.
The puppy trail looked to be an interesting affair. Amongst the runners were the table leader Angel and all eyes were on her at the slip to see if she would set off. Off they went and Angel seemed to be going ok although she dropped back to last place jumping the wall out of sight. Climbing up the fell and five hounds had begun to pull clear, Tiagress was in front pursued by Huntsman's Future, Nike, Jackie and Grange Torres. I thought Tiagress was still in front dropping down to the last road but when they appeared on the finish the Troutbeck bitch had dropped away leaving four to fight out the finish. The Simpson's Nike led and ran on well in the closing stages to record her fourth win in good style. The Laidler & Bunting's Jackie ran another good race to pip Huntsman's Future for second place with Grange Torres not too far adrift in fourth.
The open maidens attracted 29 runners, the biggest slip of the day. Going under the wood, the Kentmere 1-2 of Thursday evening Cannavaro and Wattmore had a good lead and although the chasing bunch had caught up by the time they dropped in, this duo were still prominent. Coming along the beck edge onto the finish and Cannavaro was still in front and from here it looked as though the veteran Magic Bay, a former senior winner here in seasons past, was going to come through and take the spoils. However, Wattmore had other ideas and the Lindale dog hound finished really well, coming from third place to take the spoils in a close race much to the delight of his handler, Katherine Lyon.
The last trail of the afternoon was the open restricted and the Yvonne Wilson trained Bonny Lass put in a tremendous driving display, leading from the off and pulling a distance clear by the time they went under the wood. Langdale Smiler was the only one that gave chase and had joined Bonny by the time they turned onto the finish. However, his pursuit proved futile and Bonny pulled clear once again on the run to the line and she relinquished eligibility in this grade until next year when scoring by twenty yards. A good race ensued for the remaining tickets and it was Tranquility that took third place just ahead of Team Spirit, Negress and Jordan's Tyke.
Friday 20 August
Just a wee note to recognise the achievements of dual veteran champion Outrageous who sadly had to be put down after injuring her neck at Wythop last night. The eight year old was the oldest hound still in training and just recently won an open restricted trail at Bank Farm, Lorton for her proud connections Brian & John Graham and Graham & Julie Burkinshaw.
Thursday 19 August
The second of the Kentmere Hall fixtures was held tonight and in the senior trail, one of last years top puppys, Ivor & Wendy Martin's Mika opened her senior account. Going through the top of the fell about three minutes after the slip and it was the Brownlee pair Mayfly and Mayfair that were setting the pace and the kennel mates had quite a good lead over the chasing bunch which were headed by Huntsman's Charm, Howgill Sandy, Huntsman's Dazzler and Desire. There were five hounds together passing the puppy trailers at the split and by this stage Mika had taken the lead ahead of Habana, Desire, Huntsman's Dazzler and Negress and they were beginning to pull clear of the rest. Turning onto the finish and Mika had a substantial lead and although Habana and Huntsman's Dazzler made a lot of ground in the closing stages, the Selside based bitch hound had enough in hand and scored her first win by fifteen yards or so. Desire finished well to take fourth place just ahead of Negress and Mayfly.
There were twelve runners in the puppy trail and the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Future was driving them coming back through the fell above the trail field shortly after the slip with Tagget and Momentum close in behind. The next time you see them they are coming onto the finish and when they appeared the Wilson & Westmorland's Tiagress was just in front of Tagget with Kingdom and Momentum not too far adrift in third and fourth. There wasn't much in the two leaders all the way up the last field and although Tagget was first over the tape the youngster was later disqualified for alleged interference in the closing stages. This meant the race was awarded to Tiagress, her second win of the term with Kingdom second and Momentum third. It was good to see Jackie take fourth place for Jane Laidler after her recent injury problems and 'Future' and Poker Face took the other minor tickets.
The open maiden trail comes with the added bonus of the Ernie Smith Memorial Shield which is presented to the winner at the Westmorland area presentation evening. The Petersen & Oldcorn's four year old Cannavaro became the latest recipient when just getting up on the line to beat the Mclean, Metcalfe & Lyon's Wattmore which had shown with the lead. These two had pulled well clear of their rivals and John & James Oldcorn's Denial finished well to take third ahead of Sparrowmire Bonny with Davina fifth and Shahdi sixth.
Tuesday 17 August
Tonight's action took place at Buttermere and in the senior trail the Jackson, Loan & Smith's Courtesy again set off at breakneck speed and going through the basin the Rosthwaite two year old only had Cinnabar for company as these two had drawn well clear of their rivals including the odds on favourite MollyMalone. When they came to the road the pair still had a very good advantage but Molly, Desire and Gentle Lady were chasing hard and climbing out the otherside they had made quite a lot of ground. Coming over the top onto the finish and Molly Malone already had a good lead which she increased dropping in to win her ninth trail very easily indeed. Gentle Lady followed up a promising run at Mirkholme by taking second place and Desire finished well to claim third just ahead of Courtesy. Cinnabar faded into fifth place and was chased home by kennelmate Valhalla in sixth.
There was a small field of just six pups but they included the two dead-heaters of last week at this venue Westgate Gypsy and Altanic and these two were the main focus of attention. Could Gypsy register back to back victories or would the specialist in-banker Altanic have the upper hand? Coming through the fell above the trail field and the two favourites were closely grouped along with the Steele's pair Colourful and Poker Face and these four had already pulled well away from the other two runners. Climbing out after the road and they began to drop Poker Face but the other three remained closely bunched and although Westgate Gypsy led nearing the summit, the other two were still tucked in just behind. However, when they showed at the top of the fell, Gypsy had asserted and had fifty yards lead over Altanic with Colourful a further hundred behind in third. The Dog Produce winner did make a little ground as they approached the final road crossing but Gypsy still had thirty yards coming to the line and moved onto the 13 win mark and into joint second place in the table courtesy of her second win within twenty four hours.
Last but not least the open maidens and it was Ian & Ann Bell's Howgill Sandy that set the early pace. As they came to the road 'Sandy' had a few yards on Davina, Lingbeck Shadow and Not Now Jack and climbing out the other side the pacesetter dropped out leaving the other three clear going up out of sight. Lingbeck Shadow was in front on the ascent and still led coming over the top with Not Now Jack and Davina still close in behind. Dropping down and Davina made good ground and coming through the gate at the bottom into the fields she took the initiative. From here these two had a terrific race and it was close at the line. Consultation with the camera revealed that Lingbeck had prevailed by a head and neck, well done Tut and Jess! It was good form as both of these hounds had ticketed in the senior trail here last week.
Monday 16 August
The long but very worthwhile journey to Wasdale Head tonight to probably my favourite venue of them all. The beautiful valley provides the perfect arena for a hound trail and when running the hounds hardly go out of your sight. It was satisfying to see a good turn out of hounds and in the senior trail a decent slip of 19 took their chance. Going through the fell adjacent to the trail field a few minutes after the slip and nothing was really getting away in the brackens and screes. After a while they drop down out of sight and cross the bottom of the valley and the next time they appear they are climbing up the intake on the other side. At this point three hounds had got a few yards namely Cinnabar, Mayfair and Della and the trio maintained the advantage all the way through and out of sight again. The next viewing is where they join onto the pup trail and the route has been changed slightly, taking them higher up the fell. By now Della had taken the lead ahead of Cinnabar but the chasing group had made ground and there was a good line of hounds still in contention. Cinnabar went back to the front and was joined by Mayfly going through the rough. These two started to pull clear but a detour at a ghyll required the hounds to drop down to get back on the trail and from here Mayfair got back into the reckoning. By the time they reached the far end and dropped in Mayfair had a good lead over kennel mate Mayfly and Cinnabar went out of the race when making a mistake. From here they turn back to head for the finish and when they appeared again Victor Brownlee's pair were together and although they still had a few yards, the others had made inroads into their lead. Coming through the brackens they all bunched up and coming into the fields there were six in with potential chances. The Brownlee duo were still to the fore though and Mayfair ran on well to score her fourth win in good style. Mayfly just held off the challenge from No Chance to take third with Bushie, Della and Miss Molly close up for the remaining tickets.
In the puppy trail, the ever improving Westgate Gypsy put in a very impressive performance and it was a pleasure to watch. Sarah Mackereth's charge took the lead with a nifty manouvre early in the race to clear the huge fell wall and although she got herself a bit wrong at one stage going on to the fell, once back in front she just pulled away and from then on put in a faultless display. The finish at Wasdale is notoriously tricky, especially the first time for pups but the bitch hound made it look easy and she strolled to her 12th success, thoroughly enjoying every minute and yipping away. The Crosby family's pair Temperance and Fortitude were coming in second and third places respectively but Martin Rush & Co's Sawdust tracked them into the final field and produced a very good turn of foot to sweep through and take second place.
Sean & Miles Pirie's Celtic Brave ran a couple of good races at Wasdale last year as a pup and the two year old returned in the open restricted to also win in very comfortable style. Westgate Ripple led coming into sight on the fell ahead of Shifter and The Penny Arcade but Celtic Brave swept through to take up the lead and pulled further clear by the time the had reached the far end. After this he never looked in danger of being caught and he ran on well to beat Shifter, Westgate Ripple and The Penny Arcade in good style. These four were a long way clear of Misty which in turn was a distance ahead of the rest.
Sunday 15 August
Maybe summer has actually arrived - another beautiful sunny afternoon and todays action took place at Mirkholme the scene of the Dog Produce Meeting back in June. In the senior trail, it looked as though Huntsman's Dazzler was going to repeat his win of that day as the three year old took the lead from an early stage and he had established a lead of a hundred yards or more dropping down the fell to the first road. The next time you get a proper look at them is after they have crossed the road again and they head out onto the second half and at this stage Dazzler was still in front but there were six in contention, the other five being Westgate Kyza, Courtesy, Roulette, Gentle Lady and Dairy Diamond. All through the fields and through the sieves and out of sight, Dazzler still blazed the trail and climbing out the 'dash' the Patterdale hound had a good lead over the other quintet which were all closely bunched. After this they face a stiff climb right out before they show over the skyline onto the finish and during this part of the race it was all change because when they appereared Dairy Diamond had taken the lead ahead of Gentle Lady and Roulette and these three had a few yards on Kyza and Courtesy with Dazzler now only in sixth. Dropping in Diamond pulled away and went on to score her fourth win comfortably with the others all finishing in the order that they showed.
In the puppy trail, Tagget and Altanic were closely matched when they came past the field and at this stage the duo had pulled well clear of the other six runners. However as they went away from us in the fields they went too far across to the right and by the time they had righted themselves the chasing bunch had caught up and seven of the eight runners went away together. Going through the sieves into the bottom Jacob McClink took the lead ahead of Tagget, Altanic and Toffee Deluxe but going out of sight, Tagget and Altanic again moved to the fore. Breaching the skyline, Tagget was still in front with Toffee second and Altanic third but part way down the fell the leaders put in a circle and this allowed Jacob and Paddy's Return to join the fray once again. As they straightened themselves up Altanic took up the running and Jacob made a good descent to move up to second place and from here I thought he was going to come through and triumph. But Tagget rallied once again and moved up from third place to take the lead coming across the last two fences, she still had a couple of lengths advantage in the closing stages but the Dog Produce winner Altanic finished well and came through late to take the spoils by five yards or so with Toffee third and Jacob fourth. Paddy's Return stopped just before the tape to howl at Baz (very offputting he is!) and Poker Face swept past to claim fifth place.
There was disappointment in the puppy maiden trail when none of the eleven runners completed the trail. Most of them had got onto the old dog trail and either came back or were recovered at the road.
The veterans had no problems though and coming into sight past the field The Real Bandit was setting a scorching pace and had opened up a good lead over Sophisticated Lady, Linsdale and Sally Watts. By the time they had gone through the fields Sophisticated had made inroads and she is an exceptional climber, so coming over the top the reigning champion in this grade had pulled a good distance clear of her rivals and strolled home unchallenged. Bandit completed a good run for Debbie in second place and Huntsman's Ruler had made good ground to take third ahead of Lisdale, Magic Bay and Lambrini.
Saturday 14 August
A glimpse of summer at Low Place on a beautiful sunny day and there were very good slips of 40 and 35 respectively in the maidens and restricted, backed up by good class fields in both the senior and junior trails. All in all a very enjoyable afternoons sport.
First up were the old dogs and Molly Malone was installed as favourite on the strength of her recent form. Going up the fell after about nine minutes running and nearly all of the fifteen runners were still in contention. The next time you see them they are dropping down the fell to come through adjacent to the trail field with about two or three minutes of the trail remaining and as they came into sight Martin Rush's Hot Fuss had a few yards advantage over Habana, Mabel and Tearaway Lady and these four were clear of Jet Rose, Hot Flush and Desire. Rounding' Tattenham Corner' and the leading quartet bunched up. Tearaway Lady came into the final field in front of Hot Fuss but the Laidler, Bunting & Wilson's Mabel produced a good turn of foot in the closing stages to move up from third place and narrowly take the spoils. Habana was tagged onto the back of these in fourth and Hot Flush and Desire came through to take fifth and sixth respectively.
In the senior maiden trail a good race ensued and it was the Higgins' veteran Magenta that led them down the fell and past the field with Shady Lady, Farmer, Wattmore and Farmwalk in behind. Rounding the corner onto the finish and there was still plenty in with chances, Magenta just about led into the last field but the others were closely bunched behind and it was Butterfly that caught the eye, coming with a good late rattle from fifth position to just get up and beat Shady Lady and Farmwalk much to Claire's delight. Magenta faded inti fourth with Wattmore fifth and Bushie sixth.
There was a good class field of pups including Medwyn, Da Look and Sawdust and climbing out to the fell there looked to be a good race. However, when they came back into sight there was only five in the hunt. Huntsman's Future led down the fell with Tiagress close up in second and the last named took the initiative going down past the field with Ryans Lady Anna in second, Sawdust third, Miss Idaho fourth and 'Future' fifth. They seemed to be a long time round 'tattenham corner' and when they next appeared there was only two, Ryans led into the final field but wavered around a bit and Sawdust stuck to a true line and got back on terms and eventually went on to score her eighth win for Martin Rush by half a length. Miss Idaho ran another good race to take third place ahead of Ooh La La and Huntsman's Future with Tiagress back in sixth.
Last but not least the open restricted and it looked a very open affair from a betting point of view. Climbing out the fell and three were pulling away. When they came past the field there was still three with a few yards (but I'm not sure it was the same trio!) namely Bonny Lass, Rose and Negress and these were being pursued by Alles Springs and Ms Dynamite. Rounding onto the finish and they had bunched up a bit but there was never any doubt about the winner, the Yvonne Wilson trained Bonny Lass had a good fifteen yards lead over Rose and Ms Dynamite flew to claim third just ahead of Alles Springs with Negress fifth and Park Top sixth.
Thursday 12 August
Back to Rydal Park for the Sheep Dog Trial Meeting and the Ambleside Sports form proved true as all three winners were repeating their successes of a fortnight ago. Also, the first two senior maidens that day took second and fourth in the senior trail today and the first two puppy maidens, second and fifth in the puppy trail.
The Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Dazzler was the odds on favourite in the senior trail and the Patterdale dog hound moved to within one point of Darling at the top of the championship when scoring his 16th win. However, he was pushed all the way to the line by the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's in form Davina. The pair appeared over the top together and 'Dazzler' ran wide to the left approaching the lonning but he still just led entering the final field and went on to triumph by a couple of lengths. These two had pulled well clear of the rest and Courtesy followed up her good run at Buttermere when taking third just ahead of Roulette with Habana fifth and Mayfair sixth.
In the puppy trail, Colleen and Huntsman's Future came over the top together with Temperance close in behind but the two leaders also took the left hand route approaching the road and this allowed Temperance to take the advantage. However, once in front the Crosby family's charge just hesitated slightly and this allowed Colleen back through to take the lead and she ran on well to record her third win by a few yards from Temperance with Huntsman's Future third, Westgate Gypsy fourth and Colourful fifth and these five had drawn well away from their rivals.
The 'Huntsman' kennel recorded yet another Show double when their veteran Ruler won the open restricted. It was his last life at this grade and having shown with the lead he also went left a little but straightened up and ran on strongly to beat the Petersen & Oldcorn's Cannavaro by two or three lengths with Tranquility finishing well to claim third ahead of Team Spirit.
Wednesday 11 August
Thank you to David for this report:
Cold, grey and windy at Fellside last night, but at least the rain held off in ther main. A new finish for us all, and I realised how unfit I was hiking up there.
In the old dogs Dairy Diamond was sent off favourite, but dropping off the fell towards the finish it was last years puppy flying machine Mika leading the way, with Levi a few yards behind and as they went out of sight it would be a good five minutes before they came back into view, it must have been an even steeper climb than the spectators faced to watch the finish! Back into view and it was all change, the favourite and Quiet Swallow were neck and neck dropping into what appeared to be a ravine about 100 yards from the finish, and back into sight again Diamond had asserted and won by a couple of lengths from Quiet Swallow, but had Mabel broken a little nearer she may have beaten them all, she gave Dairy Singer about twenty yards start out of the ravine, and fairly flew to snatch third spot, with Levi who had been prominent all the way up the finish in fifth, and former champ Westgate Kyza in sixth. A maiden caught the eye in seventh but I'd best keep schtum about that one.
The pups saw Reg Bells Enoch sent off a short priced favourite, and he appeared to have stiff opposition in Tagget, Border River and Blackbird. We didn't see as much of the pups as they only came to view over the top onto the finish, unlike the old dogs who came right off the far fell, but when they did there was only three, Enoch, De La Hoya and Ooh La La. Coming up the steep incline of the finish Enoch quickened nicely to win by a couple of lengths, with the Dawsons Ooh La La, who has had a wretched season since being injured at Askam, continuing to progress to what she is capable of by claiming second with De La Hoya close up in third, I don't think somehow that the second and third were too disappointed that Enoch won. It was a long gap back to the next two pups who were Thorn Boy and Whitrigg Quine, and it was that far back to the next one I'd gone to write the restricted hounds on my board, sixth place eventually going to Blackbird. It certainly looked as though the pups had found the trail very tricky indeed.
Forty eight restricted hounds went to post, but this time I was cold, tired and couldn't put myself through hiking up to the finish again as I hadn't taken a single bet on the event, I was informed Brannigan and Martaura had a real nip and tuck battle to the line with the former just showing the most determination on the gruelling uphill finish. Bonny Lass finished third, Sunlight again knocking on the door in fourth, Cracking Thore in fifth and Lambrini in sixth.
Tuesday 10 August
Off to Gatesgarth, Buttermere tonight and thankfully the fierce showers of the afternoon abated and it made quite a pleasant evening. The Fowler & Tynan's Molly Malone has been running out of her skin this year and the four year old started as the hot favourite in the senior trail despite the presence of the table leader Darling who had run a good race here last October on her debut appearance at the venue. The Jackson, Loan & Smith's Courtesy also has good form here and the Borrowdale bitch set off with great gusto from the start and had established a few yards lead climbing out the fell shortly after the slip. At this stage Matador, Davina and Desire were heading the chase and by the time they dropped in round the basin, Molly Malone had made good ground and had joined the leading bunch. Crossing the road, Molly Malone had taken the initiative but Courtesy, Davina and Desire were still close in behind and climbing out the back of the fence onto the second half these four began to pull away from Quiet Swift, Lingbeck Shadow and Matador. At this point the writing was on the wall as we knew Molly only had to be within striking distance coming over the top, she makes the descent so well and as it was when they showed it was Molly and Courtesy with a few yards over Davina and Desire and sure enough, Molly dropped like a proverbial stone and pulled clear to score her eighth win very easily. Courtesy ran on well to take second and Desire eventually got the better of kennelmate Davina on the run to the line. Quiet Swift was not too far adrift in fifth and Lingbeck Shadow, who had always been thereabouts ran a fine race for 'Tut' to take sixth. Darling never really got in the race and finished out of the tickets.
Next up was the pups and of the twelve runners there were several interesting contenders including the table leader Angel, the Dog Produce winner Altanic, the fell specialist Westgate Gypsy, the premier puppy maiden winner Colourful and the Whitehaven area raiders Pot Look and Da Look. As they came back through above the trail field they were making a good race of it and the Crosby's Temperance was in front followed by Gypsy, Colourful and Altanic and climbing up behind the fence after the road, there were still plenty in contention. It was after they had turned to start the climb up the back of the fell wall that three hounds began to pull away. Gypsy, Altanic and Colourful drew well clear and had established a very big lead by the time they turned in for the finish. At the top, Gypsy had fifty yards or more lead over Altanic but the dog hound steadily closed the gap all the way down and by the time they came through the last gate they were together. From here it looked as though Gypsy still had the upperhand but Altanic stuck in gamely and surged just before the line to force a dead heat. Colourful also ran well to take third and a bunch finish developed for the minor tickets with Poker Face eventually taking fourth just ahead of Temperance and Pot Look with Angel finishing just out of the frame.
In the open restricted, we went to watch them at the road and coming into sight, Ian & Ann Bell's Howgill Sandy, a former senior winner here was in front pursued by another course specialist, The Penny Arcade, Deco and Toytown. Crossing the road and beginning the climb, The Penny Arcade and Toytown began to pull clear and by the time they had jumped the fence and turned to go up the back of the wall they had established quite a good advantage. Coming onto the finish and Toytown had pulled clear and the Kentmere bitch used up her quota for this season in this grade when winning convincingly in the end. The Penny Arcade was clear in second place and Molly Malone's kennemate Amy Jo finished well to take third place ahead of Howgill Sandy with Deco fifth and Crystal sixth.
Monday 9 August
Thank you to David for the following report:
Only fifteen went to the start for the senior race at Cold Fell, and the race looked wide open in the absence of the big guns from the Swanton and Temple kennels. Last time at the venue Dizzee Rascal had run well, being with the leaders all the way round before fading on the run in, better was expected this time and a flood of money backed it into favouritism. As thery dropped off the fell Dizzee was well clear, and although one or two dogs closed the gap a little climbing out of the gully, she drew away again going out of sight, and dropping in off the far end was reported to be several hundred yards clear. We gathered on the finish with us poor old bookies fearing the inevitable worst when over the top of the hill emerged several dogs, with Whitby steps heading the charge. Out of sight and into the dip and Tearaway lady was in hot pursuit, but Whitby held her all the way to the line to win by about five yards, with Valhalla not too far behind in third, Butterfly putting in a good effort in fourth, Miss Molly fifth and Roulette sixth. Canendish, Hallowen and Dizzee Rascal weren't far behind just out of tickets. It has to be said there was much speculation as to how the hounds had been so well strung out and then come in a bunch like that, but such is houndtrailing.
The pup race saw a high class turn out, with Medwyn heading the betting at a skinny 4-6. The race was run at a fast pace with several dogs vying for tyhe lead, and Medwyn couldn't seem to stamp her authority on the race, as Colleen led early and Saturdays big race winner Enoch took it up out of the Ghyll, nothing was getting away although going out of sight four hounds had opened up a bit of a gap. Onto the finish and once again there were plenty of dogs, but the closing stages were fought out by two, Enoch and Ryans Lady Anna, with the latter winning a thrilling duel all the way to the line to win by a short head as confirmed by judge Ructions. Medwyn ran a sound enough race in third, Justify was fourth, Colleen fifth and Nike sixth.
The maiden race saw a false start with four dogs disqualified, one of these being Sophisticated Lady who blazed the trail all the way round. This appeared to have set the race up for Les Tysons Moon River, who set off after her, and onto the finish Lady would have a hundred yards on Moon River, who in turn was clear of Truthful. Out of the dip and the disqualified Sophisticated Lady came home clear, but Truthful was now within about thirty yards of Moon River and closing fast and indeed fairly flew to get up right on the line. Denial ran another fine race in third, Dynajet 08 who had crossed the line sixth was in fact fourth, Faiths Pride fifth and Red Pike sixth.
The restricted race saw a substantial gamble on Levi, who had run so well on Saturday at Snow Hill. He was never ever headed and the bookies were resigned to their fate a long way out as he drew further and further clear to come home unchallenged with Alles Springs in second and a long way back to Dusty Hare who ran on very well to deny the pup Miss Idaho for third, with Linsdale back in fifth and another veteran Eden Rusty in sixth. Dusty Hare caught the eye and looks to be coming good just in time for Grasmere sports where her trainer always likes to do well.
Saturday 7 August
All roads led to Snow Hill, Uldale today and there was an excellent turn out of both hounds and followers for the HTA August Premier Trails. In all, 186 hounds took their chances in the six trails that took place throughout the afternoon and on the whole everything went off well.
First up was the senior trail and it was Ivor & Wendy Martin's Mika that set the early pace. The two year old led out of the fields and along the Sandale finish with Quiet Swallow and Darling in hot pursuit. The next time you see them is approximately the mid way point of the trail and they are heading across the common into what is locally known as 'the narrows' and by this stage five hounds had pulled clear. Huntsman's Dazzler was prominent along with Matador, Habana, Mika and Westgate Kyza but fancied hounds such as Darling had a bit of ground to make up from here as did Dairy Diamond. Climbing out the fell the other side of the narrows and 'Dazzler' looked to be going well pursued by 'Kyza' and at this point it looked as though the chasing bunch were going to catch the other three by the time they came onto the finish. Dropping in towards the finish and 'Dazzler had a good lead over his rivals and although both Dairy Diamond and Darling made a lot of ground up by the finish to claim second and third, 'Dazzler' plugged on and recorded his 15th win of the season in good style. Habana ran another good race in fourth place just ahead of Westgate Kyza and Heidi was delighted with Matador who took sixth.
There was a competitive field of 45 for the senior maidens and Cavendish took the early initiative with Tidal Bay and Cannavaro also prominent as they went along Sandale finish. Coming onto the common and there was a good line of hounds. Cavendish was still forcing the pace along with Spot On and at this point the eventual winner Davina was in fifteenth position. Going through the narrows they bunched up and climbing the fell out the other side, Davina went to the front and by the time they got to the top of the fell, four hounds had drawn clear and all I know is she was one of them! Jayne said Cavendish was still also there and sure enough when they dropped into the finish, Cavendish led followed by Spot On with Davina third and these three had stolen a few yards. When the whistles went on Magenta put on a spurt and joined the leading trio and as they crossed the last road it appeared that any of this quartet could take the spoils. Davina got a good run and came through the last gate in front. From here a great race between her and Spot On ensued and she eventually got the upper hand to triumph by half a length. Yippee!! Cavendish ran a great race to take third with Magenta fourth, Hot as Hell fifth and Thorn Girl sixth (Yeah go Milly!).
The puppy trail was also hotly contested and as I was slipping one I missed them go across the common heading for the narrows. However, the crack was that Medwyn and Colleen were doing the work and when they dropped in heading for the finish these two were indeed first and second but there were plenty of hounds in behind. Coming to the wall corner and the much improved Border River was in front and Enoch also entered the fray and in the end the finish concerned these four. Colleen took a similar line to Davina and came through the last gate in front but the other two were not to be denied and after a tremendous battle Enoch just took the spoils ahead of Colleen with Medwyn third and Border River fourth. Blackbird and Nike took the remaining tickets.
The puppy maiden trail developed into a complicated affair but Alec & Jackie Steele's Colourful took the honours in the end. The Skelsmergh bitch was fourth coming off the fell and had just about hit the front when straightening up to get over the line after the others had veered off towards the fence in the dying strides. Lady Anna Ryans was awarded the runners up rosette after the disqualification of the originally second placed hound for alleged interference with Delahoya third, Temperance fourth, Sambo fifth and Endurance sixth.
Another good race developed in the open restricted trail. Coming off the fell, Sundown was in front ahead of Brannigan, Rose and Levi and it was these four that contested the finish. Brannigan took the lead coming across the road and through the last gate but faded into fourth place up the hill and this allowed Sundown back past to take the honours. Once in front the dog hound ran on well to beat Rose which just got up to beat Levi for second. Bonny Lass took fifth and Hutton Toyah sixth.
I was having a celebratory drink with Carole by the time the veterans went and we just got out to watch the finish. With no binoculars I was only guessing but a dark coloured hound which I thought was Ms Dynamite took up the lead coming through the last gate. Coming towards the tape she veered off towards the catchers and this allowed Some Girl to come through and take the spoils with Sophisticated Lady third, Linsdale (which was in front outside) fourth. Lofty fifth and Lambrini sixth.
Thursday 5 August
Thank you to Dave for the following report:
No Darling tonight at Dean so it was Showgirl who took centre stage, and she looked a capable deputy as she stormed into the lead going out, but there was to be a shock report from the "blowers", Showgirl wasn't there and hadn't even crossed the road, which was most puzzling as the champion has winning form at the venue, she was eventually picked up and appeared from the betting ring to be none the worse for her ordeal. As the remaining hounds came towards the cart track it was Random Star, Hot Fuss and Quiet Swallow who looked to have the race between them, with Infinity and Hunters Lane chasing in fourth and fifth. The race was to change dramatically though as they went out of sight, because back into view it was Hunters Lane that had a nice lead on Quiet Swallow. As they jumped the final gate Swallow was making inroads into the lead, and half way up the run in they were locked neck and neck, but Hunters Lane just showed the greater determination to put her head in front where it matters, Infinity claimed third ticket with Hot Fuss pleasing her connections after disappointing of late in fourth, Random Star fifth and Jealousy firing a warning to Saturdays maiden ranks in sixth.
In the pups all eyes were on the enigma that is Angel. She set off ok, although last, and off they went out of sight. Back into view and Angel was stalking the leaders, who were then run off by the cows, Angel really does look a bag of nerves and put a scale in herself, and dropped again to the rear, but with her obvious ability she seems to be able to move up again at will. Dropping down by the bungalow and she was reported to be bang with them again, but over the far gate and approaching the cart track she was a poor last of the leading group again. Out of sight they went and coming back into view she was seventh as handsome black and white dog Waver Rock showed with a decent lead, but she showed incredible speed to join the leader at the last gate, only to make a total hash of the jump and drop back again to seventh. Chance gone? Don't be ridiculous, she took herself to the wide outside and with the confidence of hearing her handlers calls, she took off with an amazing burst of speed that is worthy of any champion and led before they'd got half way up the run in, and ran right away to score with what looked like contemptuous ease. I don't think "impressive" does the dog justice with this incredible turn of foot, how easily would she have won if she never kept dropping back? Cracking Sunset a good finisher in it's own right, ran on well to repel Sawdust for second, Waver Lady making ground on the finish to go fourth, Altanic making a decent comeback in fifth and Quiet Lass sixth. Waver Rock dropped out of contention but ran a great race. I make no apologies for waxing lyrical about this performance, I've not seen speed like that on a finish in some time.
In the maiden race supporters of Magenta were out to recoup losses after a spectacular gamble in the veterans on Saturday had gone astray, and she never let them down. Always prominent throughout the trail she moved stylishly to the front at the cart track and showed back into view with a good few yards on Thorn girl, these two in turn clear of another useful veteran Sophisticated Lady. As they jumped the gate, Thorn Girl put in a determined challenge, but once she got within a length Magenta always seemed to be holding her all the way to the line and maintained that advantage. Sophisticated Lady couldn't get on terms in third, and she was ahead of Brian Church's pair Birkby Tan and Birkby Black, with Tidal Bay completing the placings in sixth.
Huntsman's Dazzler continued to keep the pressure on Darling at the top of the senior championship table when scoring his 14th win of the season in comfortable style at Ings. The Patterdale three year old had pulled clear of his rivals by the time they were spotted coming off the back fell at Applethwaite Common. At this stage he had already spread-eagled the field and the nineteen runners were well spaced out. They remained this way all the way to the finish and 'Dazzler' had a good lead at the tape over Habana with Desire a further thirty yards adrift in third. The maiden Sparrowmire Jill put in a good performance to earn fourth place and could be one to watch on Saturday and the other minor tickets were claimed by Cinnabar and Huntsman's Chance.
In the puppy trail, three of the nine runners stole a march early on following a scale. Colleen was driving with Kingdom and Ooh La La! in hot pursuit and going through the fell the trio still had a good advantage. However as the race progressed a chasing bunch of three namely Tiagress, Huntsman's Future and Westgate Gypsy were making inroads into their lead and it looked likely that all six would come onto the finish together. Sure enough this was the case and it was Tiagress that had a few yards as they came into our sight in the fields with the other five closely bunched in behind. Coming over the brow onto the finish and Tiagress still had the initiative but the ominous figure of Westgate Gypsy was close up in second and it was 'Gypsy' that came through to take the spoils despite veering off to the right slightly before the tape. Ooh La La just got second ahead of Tiagress and Colleen, which had only shown in sixth place finished best of all to claim fourth with Huntsman's Future fifth and Kingdom sixth.
Wednesday 4 August
There was a good turn out for Cartmel Show especially in the open restricted and although only eight hounds went to post in the senior trail the reports from outside were that four were making a good race of it namely Velvet, Huntsman's Charm, Cavendish and Della. Coming over the top into our sight and Velvet and Huntsman's Charm had pulled clear of the other two and it was last years winner, Velvet that led down the fields and in out of sight before they show again heading for the last road. However, the Bassenthwaite bitch lost ground somewhere and when they appeared again Huntsman's Charm was left clear. From here 'Charm' ran on well and strolled to his second success of the season in comfortable style. Velvet came through to take second place with Della third just ahead of Cavendish and these four were well clear of Dizzee Rascal which had made alot of ground up on the second half of the trail and Gigolo was sixth.
The eight strong puppy trail included Tagget, Jacob McClink and the Calebreak victor Border River and the betting was mainly between these three. As they came into sight five hounds were closely grouped but the Graham & McTear's Tagget always led and had pulled clear by about fifty yards approaching the last road. The others were Jacob McClink, Paddy's Return, Betty Boo and Grange Torres. From here it is quite tricky maneouvering the road and the racecourse barriers onto the finish and it looked as though Grange Torres was going to come through to take the spoils as the leaders ran up the road slightly but they straightened themselves up and Tagget regained the initiative and ran on well to beat Jacob by a few yards with Paddy in third, the improving Grange Torres (which had reportedly led outside) fourth and Betty Boo fifth.
The open restricted trail was hotly contested and Huntsman's Ruler, which had finished second in a restricted and won the veteran trail at Hard Crag in May, again showed his liking for the terrain when completing another winning double for the Bland & Barrow partners. When they showed, the Kentmere victor Negress was in front but 'Ruler' soon made up the deficit and drew clear in the closing stages. Negress took second place clear of the Brown & Hutchinson's Magic Bay which finished strongly to take third just ahead of Bonny Lass, Wattmore and Team Spirit. More of a mystery was what had happened to Shifter. The Little Langdale hound had dropped in clear third and in the end finished just out of the tickets.
Tuesday 3 August
Thank you to David for the following report:
A fairly good crowd at St Helena despite it clashing with Parsonby and a decent slip of seventeen old dogs. Through the bottoms and Terence McVeighs No Chance was showing he definitely did have a chance by driving the race with several dogs in contention including Amy Jo and one of the Foxparkes (Blowing Wind and Homeward Bound look identical to me). Last times winner Valhalla had once again given them a start and was playing catch up. Earlier in the season I'd noticed Quiet Swallow had made a lot of ground in the latter part of the trail after being well behind at this point, but this time she had latched onto the leaders in about tenth place and by the time they had climbed out to go past the wood she had made her way into second. Into view onto the finish and Swallow just had the lead from No Chance, but the lead was to change a few times with Amy Jo coming to the fore down the fields and Miss Molly moving into contention, but as they came back into view around the corner No Chance had made a break for home, and jumped the last fence with about ten yards lead over Quiet Swallow, but the latter showed an impressive turn of foot to lead about ten yards out and win by about a neck. Amy Jo ran on gamely for third, followed in by Miss Molly, Tearaway Lady who is bang in form and was backed "off the blow" and Sweet Pea.
The pup race saw John Palmers Medwyn sent off at long odds on as she continues to rack up one race after another, and although she had Reg Bells Enoch for company down the tricky finish, she drew away to win quite comfortably, perhaps handling the finish a bit better than her rival. Night Spirit ran a cracker after his lay off in third without quite getting near enough to trouble the leaders with Sawdust in fourth, Justify fifth and Lady Anna Ryans in sixth.
The maiden race looked like another good opportunity for Butterfly, who always runs well here. A scorching pace was set all the way around by the Towers' handsome pup De La Hoya who was never really headed all the way round, but as they came into view on the last part of the finish it was Quiet Swift who had a commanding advantage, but once again a smart turn of foot in the last field was to turn the race around, and Butterfly got up in the shadow of the catchers to take the spoils. De La Hoya got the money back for his each way supporters in third with Schwartzenegger II showing again he likes the course by finishing a handy fourth with Polyanna a bit back in fifth and Red Pike in sixth.
Monday 2 August
Tonights action took place at the top of the Kentmere valley and the early pace in the senior trail was set by the Huntsman's trio 'Chance', 'Dazzler' and 'Charm'. The word from the trailers waiting to spilt was that five hounds were clear led by the former junior champ Habana and when they appeared on the finish Habana had a good lead. However, the Troutbeck bitch ran wide and although she straightened herself back up her advanage was reduced and Desire, who had shown in second was by now just fifty yards behind. Desire finished well up the long flat finish and once on terms the two hounds had a good battle with the lead chaging hands all the way to the line. In the end Desire got the upperhand by half a length to take her tally for the season to four. Huntsman's Chance, who always runs well here was third just ahead of kennelmate Huntsman's Dazzler and Victor Brownlee's pair Mayfair and Mayfly were fifth and sixth. We would all like to wish Victor a speedy recovery after his recent hip replacement operation.
There was a good class field of fifteen pups and a good race ensued going through the top of the fell shortly after the slip. Coming onto the finish Tiagress, Colleen and Momentum were the first three we saw but they overshot the turn and disappeared back out of sight. In the meantime, Tagget and Huntsman's Future came through to take the initiative and although Tagget put her nose down a couple of times she went on to score her 12th win by a few lengths. The in form Nike finished well to beat Betty Boo for third place with Kingdom fifth and Momentum recovered to take sixth place.
In the open restricted, Martaura and Rose set off like scalded cats and by the time they went through above the field had already established a good lead. Dropping down the fell onto the finish, Huntsman's Ruler was in front but the veteran hound came part way along the old finish allowing Negress and Toytown through to take the advantage. The first named always had a length or so lead over Toytown and never really looked like getting beat. Jordan's Tyke finished well to take third place ahead of Rose, Huntsman's Ruler broke back across to take fifth and Shifter was sixth.
Sunday 1 August
Thank you to David Howson for the following report:
I don't think where were many on the field who didn't believe victory for Showgirl was a formality, especially when she went out of sight already having established a lead of about 100 yards, how wrong we all were. Over the top onto the finish she was only third behind Halloween and High Challenge, and the first two weren't stopping. As they hit the last bit of the finish "dottie" had moved into second, but couldn't seem to get past a determined High Challenge. Approaching the line, and a final determined effort saw her challenge right on the line, but from where we were (a long way from the line) we thought the second favourite had just held on, but consultation with the camera confirmed that the favourite had got there in a desperately close finish, justifying her short odds of 1-3 and giving her supporters a few palpatations. Halloween ran with great credit and showing her liking for the course in third, Escala was fourth, chased home by the improving Mabel and Westgate Kyza.
The pups had several dogs in with chances on the form book, and there was quite a gamble on Toffee De Luxe, who was backed down to favouritism all in, which made me feel a little silly having laid 4-1 without three. However the money was to stay in the bookies satchels, as a good race developed upfront between Border River and the consistent Endurance. The latter seemed to handle the descent and sieves a bit better and emerged onto the last part of the finish with about twenty yards lead, but Border River really knuckled down to the task and finished extremely well to win going away. Blackbird ran her usual good race in third, with Toffee eventually claiming fourth, Enoch fifth and The Man sixth.
The maidens was a tremendous race and saw another substantial gamble on Dixie Moon, this time the bookies weren't going to get away with it as it came onto the finish with a good twenty yards lead and maintained it all the way to the line, winning nicely from in form Roulette with another well fancied dog Spot on in third, Quiet Swift fourth, Not Now Jack fifth and The Legal Beagle sixth.
Another dog backed "off the boards" in the restricted, as punters latched onto Russ and Wendy Dawsons Miss Dynamite, who has excellent form at the venue and has been desperately unlucky in defeat several times in recent weeks. No running off on the finish this time as she came scooting clear on the finish, beating Sundown comfortably with Brannigan a close up third.These three were a few yards clear of Rose with Bonny Lass in fifth and the grand old veteran Lofty in sixth.
following the success of Spot On's litter brother Sherlock at Lorton the day before. Sparrowmire Jill just had the measure of Gifted in the race for third and fourth and Meadow Izzie and Meadow Patch were the other ticketers.
Next up were the pups and on the whole they appeared to go around 'en masse' and there were still plenty in with chances as they went out of sight on the back fell. Coming onto the finish, Keith Lynch & Darren McMaster's Endurance was in front and the Dearham dog led down and across the road and into the dip on the finish. Both Poker Face and Nike were in hot pursuit and the general consensus was that Nike was the danger from this point but Poker Face can hold his own on the finish and Alec & Jackie Steele's charge took the lead half way up the final stretch and just did enough to hold off the late challenge from Nike in another close finish. Endurance held on to claim third with Jackie Boy fourth and Enoch fifth.
The open restricted as always was a hotly contested affair with several in form hounds taking their place in the line up. Ivor & Wendy Martin's Martaura and the Holmes' Sundown were the early pacesetters and both were still prominent when they came over the top onto the finish. A group of seven hounds had pulled away and Margaret Baxter's Halloween led pursued by the Taylor & Baxter's White Diamond and Martaura with the other four, namely Toytown, Sundown, Bonny Lass and One Man close in behind. Coming out of the dip, any of them could have won but in the end it was a photo finish between Halloween and White Diamond and consultation with the camera revealed that the former had triumphed by a head. It was also close for third and fourth but Toytown filled the other principle place with Sundown fourth, Bonny Lass fifth and One Man sixth.
Saturday 31 July
The Cockermouth Show trails took place at Bridekirk and in the senior trail, the table leader, Penny Swanton's Darling continued the kennels recent purple patch when scoring her 17th win of the term in very good style. The Kendal kennels have been in tremendous form just lately and they have recorded no less than 13 individual successes during July including three winning doubles, courtesy of five wins each for Darling and Show Girl and three for the veteran Some Girl.
On Saturday, in the senior trail, coming through the bottoms past the field Busy Night and Relentless were setting the pace with Darling in third place and Tarantino fourth. Mayfair was handy in fifth place and Dairy Diamond was sixth when they first came into sight and the latter caught the eye, moving steadily through the field and the two year old had moved into third place going along the back of the wall towards Millstone Moor. Dropping down onto Redmain, Darling and Dairy were together with a few yards on Busy and Mayfair. From this point Dairy had gone along the top fields for the Millstone Moor trail and as they appeared on the finish Darling showed with a healthy lead over Busy and Mayfair. In the meantime, Dairy broke back and joined in part away along the final field in second place but Darling always had the upper hand and never looked in danger, going on to win by twenty yards. Mayfair finished well to take third ahead of Busy and Hunter's Lane and Tarantino took the minor tickets.
Nicola & Darren McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy set a ferocious early pace in the senior maiden trail and coming off the first half had established a huge lead over his rivals. Going through, Truthful was second with Small Print and Cavendish in hot pursuit and at this point Davina was some way back in the field but was steadily passing dogs. As they headed for Millstone Moor the chasing bunch had made some in roads into Cowboy's lead and by the time they dropped down onto Redmain, Davina had joined the leader with Kelly Mac third and Truthful fourth. As they appeared on the finish, Cowboy and Davina were neck and neck with Truthful some fifty yards behind in third. Half way up the final field they encountered some cows and the leading pair slowed up allowing Joe & Nessa Simpson's Truthful to get back on terms, from here it looked as though Truthful would be the winner but approaching the line Cowboy hesitated and so did Truthful and Davina kept coming to force a photo finish. Consultation with the camera revealed that Truthful had just held on by half a head from Davina with Rhinestone Cowboy third.
Next up was the pups and going through the bottoms a good race ensued with Pot Look and Da Look always up at the front along with Blackbird, Sawdust and Nike. I missed them dropping down onto Redmain but as they came onto sight on the finish, the leaders all kept going down to their left instead of straightening up to jump the last fence and by the time they corrected themselves there were several with potential winning chances. From here, Alan Blacklock's Blackbird and the Simpson's Nike came to the fore and the pair battled gamely all the way up the long finish and the camera was needed again to sort out the result. A dead heat was eventaully declared and it was the second open win of the season for both of the youngsters and completed a wiining double for Joe & Nessa on the day. Cracking Sunset finished well to take third place with Pot Look, Sawdust and Da Look sharing the remainder of the prizes.
A similar situation developed in the puppy maiden trail with plenty in contention all the way round. They also overan the turn onto the finish and when they righted themselves there were eight hounds in the first bunch. Joanna Satterthwaite'sThorn Boy led at this point ahead of Susan Studholme & Louise Lyttleton's Waver Lady but it was Brian Rowlandson's True Blue that caught my eye, producing a tremendous late run to move up from seventh place in the closing stages to take the lead close home. It looked as if he was home and dry from here but Waver Lady rallied gamely and surged past to take the spoils by a few yards in the end. Thorn Boy took third place with Quiet Bullfinch, Trinder and Grange Torres claiming the other tickets.
Last but not least were the veterans and the two current leaders in the points competition, Some Girl and Sophisticated Lady were up with the pace throughout. As they came onto the finish, Some Girl had asserted and went on to complete another winning double for the Swantons by thirty yards ahead of 'Lady' with Calzaghe a similar distance adrift in third.
Thursday 29 July
For the next few weeks our sport will be in the public eye at the various Shows and Sports that are held around the county and today was the turn of Ambleside Sports. The hounds that finish last get as vigourous a round of applause as the ones that win and sitting on the finish it always seem like an eternity until they appear over the skyline onto the finish.
Denise Bland & Dennis Barrow's Huntsman's Dazzler was the favourite in the senior trail but it was the kennels other two representatives 'Chance' and 'Charm' that were setting the early pace climbing out the fell. Heading away from us towards the top of the valley there was a group of ten hounds pulling away from the rest of the field and of these a light coloured one, which we assumed was 'Dazzler' began to draw clear through the screes and out of sight. The next time we saw them, under the point about eight minutes from the finish and 'Dazzler' was on his own. Gentle Lady was clear second and Huntsman's Charm was clear third. Next was a bunch of three or four hounds, I'm not sure what was fourth but Mabel was fifth and Desire sixth. 'Dazzler' maintained his huge lead all the way to the line and was almost the full length of the finish in front of Gentle Lady and it was good to see her run such a great race in second place after her recent injury problems. Then came Mayfair, Westgate Ruby and Desire and they finished in that order for third, fourth and fifth places and they were a long way clear of Superseven which came out in top in the great race which developed for sixth.
Next were the senior maidens and the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Davina put in a good performance (not that I'm biased or anything!) to take the spoils. The Kentmere bitch was in a handy early position and had taken the lead climbing out the fell. When they came under the point there were three hounds together and she was still in front, I don't know what was second but Roulette was third. Then the nervous wait for them to show on the finish but when they did, Davina led with Roulette for company and these two were clear of Temptation. By this time I was thinking that I'd be chuffed with second but Mel had other ideas today and she finished really well, maintaining her advantage all the way to the line to triumph by a few yards. Yippee! Not quite as good as winning the bitch produce but not far off!
There was a small field of eight pups and unfortunately you can't see much of them in action. However, coming over the top onto the finish and the International winner, Jacob McClink was just in front of the Jackson & Co's Colleen and these two had quite a good lead over Da Look. Descending the fell, the two leaders were neck and neck but they got themselves a bit too far to the left as you looked at them. They starightened themselves and were heading for the road when Jacob ran into a rock and stopped in his tracks. This left Colleen clear and although there was a nervous moment when she ran to some people that were stood by the fence at the bottom side of the road, she straightened up well and ran on to record her second win. Da Look came through to claim second and Jacob recovered to take third and thankfully, was later walking ok on his sore leg.
In the puppy maiden trail, Lisa and Edward Crosby's Temperance won by a distance. The 13 runners had got split up from an early stage in the race and the Whitehaven youngster stuck to her task gamely and had finished before the next two hounds had come over the top. Alec & Jackie Steele's Colourful finished well to take second place ahead of the Thornton family's Grange Torres and these two were clear of Brian Rowlandson's True Blue which took fourth.
Last but not least was the open graded and the Bland & Barrow partnership continued their excellent recent record at this occasion by taking the spoils and completing a winning Huntsmans double. The veteran was prominent going through the top shortly after the slip and came onto the finish just in front. He increased his advantage dropping in and went on to beat the Oldcorn & Petersen contingent's Team Spirit, which had shown in fourth place and flew to get second, by twenty yards. Alison & Martin Langhorn's Gigolo ran well to take third ahead of Sean & Miles Pirie's Celtic Brave and these four had pulled well clear of the others. There was a blanket finish for the remaining tickets but the camera revealed that Not Now Jack had got 5th and The Legal Beagle 6th.
Wednesday 28 July
Thank you to David for the follwoing report:
Don't all cry at once but it was carnage for the bookies last night at Cold Fell as it seemed all the fancied dogs, all in and without, were to win, even though the races looked competetive.
In the senior race there was a clash of last years champions Showgirl and the pup champion Dairy Diamond. Diamond led through the fell with Showgirl in third place, but as if to put the young pretender in it's place, Showgirl came onto the finish with a clear advantage over Diamond, who in turn was well clear of the rest, perhaps giving an indication of just how good the champion is, and won't be relinquishing her crown easily despite kennelmate Darling having a decent start on her. Vallhala ran another solid race in third, with Halloween running on strongly into fourth, Tearaway Lady continuing to improve in fifth and most eye catching of all, Dizzee Rascal had been up with the leaders throughout, tiring on the finish and dropping from third to sixth, I would guess this classy hound will be shaking them all up shortly.
The pups was a tremendous race, with several dogs in with chances on the finish. Ryans Lady Anna was vying for the lead most of the way round, with the most of the hounds tightly grouped. On the finish and "Lady" led, with Lady Agenda throwing her chance away by running way off the trod. Out of the dip and "Lady" still led, but the in form Medwyn came to challenge and led, repelling the renewed surge of Ryans Lady Anna and Border River at the tape, with Reg Bells Enoch running on for fourth, Nike fifth and Toffeee De Luxe sixth.
The maidens looked on paper a match on recent form between Spot On and Butterfly, and that's how it turned out, the duo having a tremendous battle to the line before the former took the spoils by about a neck. I was sweating on the result as the owner of Moon River had a decent bet at 8-1 with me with not much cover money, Dixie Moon came home third, so that was the first three in my "box" so what was fourth? Yes, Moon River, much to the delight of my Ulverston neighbour Les Tyson, beating the dog I was hoping would be my winner Denial into fifth, with Ruby in sixth.
The restricted was a hot contest, and on the fell the Swantons were looking for a double as Some Girl was blazing the trail at half way with C & D winner Mang Nix chasing hard, these two being hotly pursued by Linsdale and Miss Dynamite. Onto the finish and Some Girl still led, with Linsdale close up in second and Miss Dynamite, frustratingly for her supporters again running way off the trod and losing ground. Mang Nix to everybodies surprise was not with them. Out of the dip and Some Girl had established a nice lead over Linsdale, with course specialist Sunlight a similar distance back in third. Miss Dynamite again came out of the dip in the rushes near the road abandoning all thoughts of victory, but finished like the proverbial train, that grand old lad Calzaghe finished fifth, and Beyonce was sixth.
Tuesday 27 July
Thank you to David Howson for the following report:
It was mentioned in Saturdays report the remarkable amount of ground Mayfair made up at Lorton show, this was generally credited to her ability to climb and her speed when she hits the clean running. Anybody in any doubt about this should have been at Sandale last night. As they came off the fell approaching the finish Mayfair must have been 100 yards behind the leaders in about seventh place, and not really going forward, but there was a steep climb to the finish on clean fields ahead. As they came into view a 100 yard deficit had turned into a 100 yard lead, and this incredible and popular hound strolled home for an easy victory ahead of promising youngster High Challenge, with Tarantino a clear third. Infinity just pipped Escala for fourth and Tidal Bay, who had been prominent throughout finished a creditable sixth.
In the pups all eyes were on Angel again on the back of her promising run at Askam, although the McLellan and Irvings Da Look was sent off favourite. Angels handler held her back to let the melee at the first fence go ahead of her, but the havoc at the fence seemed to un-nerve her a little and she put in a "wheelie" looking for a better way past the obstacle before eventually jumping over having lost a lot of ground. Going through onto the fell it was apparent she had no chance of catching up, although she had made ground by the finish. Up front despite several scales it was Blackbird who kept going to the front, although off the fell it was The Man that caught the eye going to the front, dropping back to about seventh in a rough patch, but then pulling to the front again. I have a feeling this good looking hound may well yet live up to his lofty pre-season reputation. Onto the finish and three had pulled a few yards clear, and it looked certain theat Da Look. who was now in front would win, but this usually fast finisher kept hesitating as it went out of sight from us on the field below the finish and as they re-emerged just before the line it was Blackbird ahead from Da Look, with The Man showing Saturdays race was no fluke in third, Cracking Sunset a fast finishing fourth, Waver Lady fifth and Quiet Lass sixth.
The restricted was a competetive affair, and the hounds were closely grouped all the way round. On Sunday at Helton Cracking Thore was well backed, so it was no surprise to see her bang in contention going out of sight in the bottoms, her shrewd handler knows the time of day when it comes to backing them, as I know from painful experience, and this as I recall was one of her favourite courses as a pup. Onto the finish and Cracking had the lead, and a tremendous tussle with Sundays short head runner up White Diamond ensued, with Cracking just prevailing at the line. There was much deliberation from where we stood as to what had actually won and what was third, with that prize eventually going to Wisla, with Not Now Jack fourth, Penny Arcade fifth and Hunters Lane sixth.
Monday 26 July
John Palmer's Medwyn is one of the hounds in form at present and the bitch hound raced to her fourth puppy win within the space of ten days at Lamplugh this evening. This latest victory took her overall tally for the season to seven and has catapulted her up the championship table into joint sixth position alongside Martin Rush's Sawdust. Medwyn, the hot favourite, came over the top onto the finish with a ten yard lead over the McCluskey & Metcalfe's Toffee Deluxe and the Loan family's Jacob McClink and she ran on well to maintain her advantage all the way to the line.
Next up were the open maidens and Nicola & Darren McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy came over the top with a twenty yard lead over Magenta, Red Pike and Davina and these three in turn had a few yards on the others. Coming down and 'Cowboy' pulled further clear and looked a sure winner but he headed off to his right and slowed allowing Magenta to come through and take the honours by a length. Rhinestone was second just a head in front of Davina and as a result the Dearham hound bagged another five points in his quest for the HTA open maiden points and Nicola breathed a big sigh of relief!
In the senior trail, Molly Malone took her tally to seven when putting in another good performance. The four year old had taken the lead by the second crossing and going over the next road heading for the Leaps the bitch hound was going well with Sweet Pea for company. Miss Molly was third at this stage and these three shared the principal places at the finish. Molly Malone beat Miss Molly by a few yards with Sweet Pea not too far adrift in third.
Sunday 25 July
Helton took centre stage for todays action and in the senior trail, the reigning champion, Penny Swanton's Show Girl strolled to her fifth win of the season. The four year old set the pace and heading out towards Pooley Bridge she had already established a lead of a hundred yards or more. When they showed climbing up the fell at half way, Huntsman's Dazzler had taken the initiative by ten yards or so with Show Girl in second place and the rest of the field not that far behind but by the time they appeared again heading for the finish it looked as though it was going to be a straight duel between the two favourites as they were neck and neck and had pulled clear of their rivals. However, breaching the skyline onto the finish, Show Girl had drawn away and in the end won very cosily indeed. Dazzler had shown in second place but faded into fourth in the end with High Challenge and Relentless coming through to take second and third respectively.
This rounded off a very successful weekend for the Swanton kennels, Darling and My Girl took first and second places in the senior trail at Askam and Some Girl completed a winning double when scoring in the veteran trail.
In the senior maiden trail a very good race developed between the two principles. Nessa Simpson's Truthful came onto the finish with the lead just ahead of Malcolm Holmes' Spot On and the pair proceeded to have a nip and tuck battle all the way up the finish to the line. It was a close call and the camera was required but Spot On had just inched ahead to take the spoils, this was the second maiden win for the kennel of the weekend folowing the success of Spot On's litter brother Sherlock at Lorton the day before. Sparrowmire Jill just had the measure of Gifted in the race for third and fourth and Meadow Izzie and Meadow Patch were the other ticketers.
Next up were the pups and on the whole they appeared to go around 'en masse' and there were still plenty in with chances as they went out of sight on the back fell. Coming onto the finish, Keith Lynch & Darren McMaster's Endurance was in front and the Dearham dog led down and across the road and into the dip on the finish. Both Poker Face and Nike were in hot pursuit and the general consensus was that Nike was the danger from this point but Poker Face can hold his own on the finish and Alec & Jackie Steele's charge took the lead half way up the final stretch and just did enough to hold off the late challenge from Nike in another close finish. Endurance held on to claim third with Jackie Boy fourth and Enoch fifth.
The open restricted as always was a hotly contested affair with several in form hounds taking their place in the line up. Ivor & Wendy Martin's Martaura and the Holmes' Sundown were the early pacesetters and both were still prominent when they came over the top onto the finish. A group of seven hounds had pulled away and Margaret Baxter's Halloween led pursued by the Taylor & Baxter's White Diamond and Martaura with the other four, namely Toytown, Sundown, Bonny Lass and One Man close in behind. Coming out of the dip, any of them could have won but in the end it was a photo finish between Halloween and White Diamond and consultation with the camera revealed that the former had triumphed by a head. It was also close for third and fourth but Toytown filled the other principle place with Sundown fourth, Bonny Lass fifth and One Man sixth.
Saturday 24 July
Three meetings today, St Helena in the morning, Lorton Hound Show in the afternoon and Askam to finish off in the evening.
At Lorton, the drizzly rain that threatened when we arrived managed on the whole to hold off and the seeing conditions remained clear for us to watch the hounds coming through the fell adjacent to the field. There was a good field of fourteen old dogs and when they came into sight they were making a good race of it. Matador was driving with Molly Malone, Tempatation and Velvet all close in behind and these four pulled clear of Quiet Swallow and Courtesy which in turn had a few yards on the others as they headed away from us onto the second half of the trail. Molly Malone took up the running going out of sight and at this point, last years winner, Mayfair had plenty to do as she lost ground through the rough and went away some distance behind. The next time they appeared they were making the descent onto the finish and by this time Molly Malone had established a good lead and as one of the best downhillers in the Association she increased her lead by the bottom of the fell. Quiet Swallow had been in second place but was struggling dropping in and she was soon overtaken by Mayfair who was then a clear second. The chasing bunch, headed by Matador also caught 'Swallow' as they went out of sight. Coming into the final couple of fields and Molly Malone had maintained her advantage and the four year old went on to score her sixth win by a distance from Mayfair who was still well clear of the others. A good race developed for the minor tickets and Desire got up to beat Matador by a length for third place with Della fifth and Velvet sixth.
In the senior maiden trail, the lead through the fell alternated between three hounds namely Brad the Lad, Davina and Sherlock. The trio had a good race all the way along and had pulled a few yards clear of the rest of the field by the far end when they were also joined by Ellie Vee. Heading for the finish and Davina took the lead on the descent but there were still seven hounds in contention including the eventual winner Sherlock. As they jumped into sight on the final stretch, Sherlock was just in front and the Ellonby dog hound ran on well to beat Kelly Mac, Ellie Vee and Sweet Pea by a few yards. Gendarme was fifth and Davina had dropped back to sixth place.
Six juniors took their chance and the hot favourite was Da Look from the in form kennel of James McClellan & Steven Irving. Going onto the fell shortly after the slip and Da Look was vying for the lead with Billy Birkett's The Man with the others closely grouped behind as they rounded the corner out of sight. Coming off the top of the fell and there was now just four left in contention, Da Look and The Man were two of them and there was a nervous moment for James as the pair got wrong on the descent and put a circle in, giving ground away to their two other rivals. However, when they showed on the finish they were back up at the front and entering the final field, three hounds broke together. Da Look and The Man had a tremendous race all the way to the line and the favourite got the verdict by a head with Paddy's Return running another sound race in third place. Louise Lyttleton's Waver Lady was fourth and this quartet were a long way clear of the only other finisher The Puddle Jumper.
Edward & Lisa Crosby's Temperance did the early driving in the nine strong puppy maiden trail with the Farren & Naylor's Miss Idaho, Brian Rowlandson's True Blue and Karen Studholme's Waver Rock also up with the pace. As they came off the top of the fell, there was a group of five followed by another two and it was Waver Rock that led down and in out of sight. Coming onto the finish and Waver Rock just held the initiative over Temperance, True Blue, Morning Service, Quiet Bullfinch and Big Mac and they finished in that order.
St Helena and Askam by David:
Early start for me Saturday as I set out on a triple header. St Helena was the first port of call and a remarkable performance in the senior race from the Peare and Gills exciting Valhalla. As they went through the bottoms I mentioned to my fellow bookmaler that Valhalla could not win fromm the position it was in, it must have been wrong on the first section of the trail and was third off last a good distance behind the leaders. Making their way down the finish I noticed it moving into fourth and predicted she would win from there. Terence McVeighs No Chance led into the last field, no mean feat as it hasn't had much running of late, but Valhalla came with a good run to mow it down late and win rather comfortably.
The pup ranks are decimated with the cough at the moment and a small field saw John Palmers Medwyn sent off the odds on favourite, and once again she won in style, coming home in splendid isolation in the rain a distance clear of the Towers' De La Hoya, who in turn was well clear of the remainder, headed in by Sawdust with Pot Look not too far behind. Young Blood and Larrys Lass completed the field coming home a remote fifth and sixth.
In the maidens it was Butterfly sent off the hot favourite after performing with credit recently at Wath Brow and Cold Fell, and she didn't let her supporters down, although it could be argued that Magenta might have won had she not gone the wrong side of a hay bale on the finish, her turn won't be far away. Foxparke Lady Amanda was the well backed winner "without" the first two, with Polyanna fourth, Birkby Black fifth and Hot as Hell sixth.
I went on to Lorton, already covered by Lynn and witnessed another remarkable game of catch up by Mayfair who looked to have no chance going out of sight on the fell but got back into the race finishing a creditable second to the impressive Molly Malone, who proved the point of his handler who said when I asked why she never ran at St Helena "This is a proper fell dog Marra!" She certainly is, and will take a lot of beating at places like Buttermere.
After the maidens I headed back south and was met with appalling weather at Askam, where we could just about see as far as the road. In the seniors it was a decent race, with Darling being sent off at a rather generous even money seeing as Arthur Temple had brought his exciting pair Dairy Diamond and Dairy Singer and former champion Westgate Kyza was also taking it's chance. As they emerged out of the gloom approaching the road, I reached for my pocket as Kevin and Penny Swantons pair My Girl leading the ghostly figure of Darling. The inevitable electric turn of foot came into play and Darling strode to the line yapping as if to say she wanted to do it again, I don't hide my admiration for this hound, even though on this occasion it hit my pocket hard, she was the only dog backed. Denise Barrow and Denis Bland Huntsmans Chance 30 yards adrift in third with Team Spirit a similar distance in fourth who had been promient throughout the trail with Rose and Dairy Singer taking fifth and sixth places.
On a footnote it was a great relief to all, especially Susan and Sarah, that Westgate Kyza returned unscathed. He had turned back in the horrid weather and had got back over the busy Askam to Kirby road without harm, I suspect Jim might have lent a hand there.
The pups set off and soon entered the mist at the first fell road Betty Boo had established herself a lengthy lead with the remaining six pups bunched toghether, at the last fell road Betty Boo's lead had been eaten into and crossing the road her lead had been reduced to around 30 yards. It was heartwarming to see Angel run more like her old self. Nick and Trish WilsonTiagress came with a big lead chased by Jackie and Alec Steeles Colourful who in turn was nicely clear of Betty Boo and Angel, who fairly rattled home to finish a closing third, but Tiagress had gone, and she won comfortably from Colourful, with Betty Boo fourth, Border River fifth and Wreckless Wren sixth.
There was little betting interest in the maiden race, it appeared to be a formality that Cavendish would win, and he did at prohibitive odds of 1-2. At the first fell road three had stolen a march on the field by 30 yards which included Rhinestone Cowboy and Wattmore, the three were being caught up at the last fell road with the pack eating into the leading three, coming out of the mist Jayne and Mark Petersen's and Michael Kay and Shauna Oldcorns Cavendish had established a lead and predictably chased home by Nicola McMasters talented Rhinestone Cowboy, Cavendish's Kennelmate Canavaro was third, with John and James Oldcorns pair Denial fourth, Domino fifth and Wattmore sixth. For the record Cavendish, Rhinestone Cowboy and Cannavaro are all breed out of Toffee Girl and Westgate Ruler.
The veterans was a competetive affair at the first fell road Huntsmans Ruler had established a lead of around 50 yards with the remainder of the field being split over around 200 yards, coming up to the last fell road the leader had been brought back into the pack and four dogs were crossed the road together up there was Linsdale, Calzaghe and Huntsmans Ruler, out of the rain and mist came several dogs with chances coming onto the finish Linsdale just about led into view, with Calzaghe and Some Girl for company and Miss Dynamite again throwing away a winning chance by running wide. Some Girl showed the best turn of foot to account for Calzaghe, with Linsdale close up in third, Miss Dynamite fourth, Huntsmans Ruler fifth and Sophisticated Lady sixth.
Thursday 22 July
A double header of meetings tonight and in the senior trail at Millstone Moor, the Temple kennels recorded a 1-2 with their pair Dairy Diamond and Dairy Singer. I went across to watch them coming off the first half from Gilcrux and the Holmrook duo were setting the pace with Tarantino, Hunter's Lane and Infinity in hot pursuit and Owtback and Della not too far behind them. We watched them going away from us down Redmain finish and Tarantino took the lead here but the two Dairy's were just off the pace and as they conitinued down towards Bridekirk and then back up the otherside, the kennelmates pulled clear and by the finish they had established quite a good lead. After a good race up the hill to the tape, Diamond asserted and went on to record her second win by a few yards. Cathy Lister's Owtback finished well to pip Tarantino for third place and Hunter's Lane and Infinity took the minor places.
Kennel cough is taking its toll on junior entries throughout the county and there was a small field of just five pups. Pot Look was the odds on favourite and James McClellan & Steven Irving's charge duly obliged when racing to his sixth win of the term. Going down Redmain finish, Pot Look and Blackbird were vying for the lead with Endurance and Paddy's Return in close attendance and Cracking Sunset was some fifty yards off the pace. They remained like this for the remainder of the race with the lead alternating between Pot Look and Blackbird. As they came into the final field it looked as if the sheep would have some bearing on the outcome as they ran across in front of the hounds and Pot Look was forced to stop dead, however, the dog hound soon regained his momentum and won quite well in the end beating Blackbird into second with Paddys' third, Endurance fourth and Cracking making ground to finsih fifth just off the back of them.
There was a good slip of 32 in the open maidens and going along Redmain, three looked to pulling clear but I was unable to pick them out. The general consensus was that Rhinestone Cowboy would be one of them but it was just an educated guess. Sure enough when they came into sight heading for the finish, 'Cowboy' was in front closely pursued by Silent Witness and The Legal Beagle and a good race ensued with Silent Witness just getting the better of Rhinestone by about a length or so at the line. Tidal Bay finished well up the hill to take third place ahead of the The Legal Beagle with Thorn Girl fifth and Davina, which had only been ninth further back, made good late ground to get sixth.
Thank you to Barry Laidler for the following report:
The weather on the summit of Kirkstone was as unpredictable as usual.The Gulf Steam wind was coming from the north,but thankfully the rain kept away.
Thirty three hounds slipped in the seniors,apparently the starter caused concern when an involuntary movement of the flag nearly caused a false slip 'I had it my left hand' his excuse was," I not familiar with this new starting procedure." Back to the trail, at halfway "Dazzler" had established a commanding lead which he kept to the finish, Cinnabar, a former course winner, ran on well to be second in front of the much improved Sparrowmire Jill ,the ever present Rose, Halloween (Yes! in a senior trail) and the fast finishing Mayfair.
Only six juniors faced the starter, (No jitters this time) three of which were non- winners. Nevertheless, an exciting race ensued led by local hounds Betty Boo and Tiagress, jumping the final wall they had been joined by Nike, who scooted up the hill,to claim a welcome success for the Simpsons. It was nice to see Amy giving Baz ( that's The Puddle Jumper ) a hug and a pat on gaining his first ticket. OK there was only six runners so what!.
The Open-Non Winners followed and this was won in fine style by the only winner in the field. Border River, International winner, owned by Dot Walker.The upset of this trail was the early return to the start of Denial, no five pointer this time, the drinks are on hold.
Wednesday 21 July
Thank you to David Howson for the following report:
A glorious night at Cold Fell in stark contrast to recent days, and all eyes were on Showgirl in the senior race as the champion on recent evidence is running as well as ever. She was made 4-5 favourite by one brave bookie who was almost knocked over in the rush to get on as it seemed everybody on the field wanted to back her. Off the fell at halfway and it was a good race, and as they climbed out of the gutter it was Quiet Swallow making the running with Showgirl in around sixth place, plenty were in with chances, including Cavendish, who is running far, far better than his maiden status, which is surely only temporary. Off the top and onto the finish and it was a two, well if you've seen Showgirl finish here before, some would assume a one dog race as Showgirl showed with a few yards on Quiet Swallow. To be fair to the runner up, she stuck in most gamely but Showgirl came home a comfortable winner, these two nicely clear of My Girl, with Valhalla in fourth, Miss Molly fifth and Cavendish passing a weakening Jennys Dream at the line for sixth.
In the pups the punters were armed with their winnings and laid into the next hotpot which was John Palmers excellent Medwyn at 4-6. She led them a merry dance all the way round and by they hit the downhill finish she had established an unassailable lead, Quiet Goldfinch had moved into second going into the dip with Da Look third and improving Miss Idaho who had been with the leaders all the way round a bit back in fourth with Jackie Boy for company. As they emerged from the dip Medwyn compounded the bookies misery winning easily with Da Look coming home second, Quiet Goldfinch seemingly losing ground in the dip in third with a good gap to Miss Idaho and Jackie Boy.
There was plenty of form to go on for the punters in the restricted, and many latched onto the consistent Mang NIx, in my opinion one of the most handsome hounds in training. Plenty in with chances going through, but off the back fell it was reported two had broken clear, one of them being Mang Nix. On the finish and two were still nicely clear, but remember the festival? The classy Miss Dynamite came with every chance and blew it by running off, which she always seems to do at Cold Fell for some reason. This time she came straight as a die and was closing down the leaders fast going out of sight and looked like being a major threat. Out of the dip and Mang Nix emerged clear, just when we thought she'd got it right MIss Dynamite came out in the rough ground near the road and had again thrown away a winning chance, running on strongly into third behind Sundown. Butterfly again ran well in fourth with White Diamond and Lofty chasing them home.
It makes for an intriguing veterans race at Askam on Saturday, not to mention the fascinating old dog race, will the champion kennel run Darling or Showgirl at Askam, or both? Will course specialist Alliance upset the applecart? Is Cavendish the good thing in the maidens he appears to be? Can anything beat Jacob McLink who is so impressive on that long finish? Will Angel shake off her mental chains and return to her brilliant best?
Tuesday 20 July
Thank you to David Howson for the following report:
Yet another miserable night for enthusiasts to endure, but the weather up at Oulton was nowhere near as bad as it was in the south of the county, horrendous rain on the eighty mile journey until the other side of Penrith where it eased off into light showers.
One dog that likes the conditions is Levi, although it was Darling and Westgate Kyza that dominated the betting. As they came through by the rushes it was Levi and Bon Jovi doing the work with Kyza tucked in nicely behind, Darling had a lot of work to do back in about seventh place. Viewing was restricted by long crops, and by the next time we saw them before they disappeared into the wood Kyza had moved stylishly into the lead, still hotly pursued by Levi and Bon Jovi, running a stormer over the distance. Darling still had an awful lot to do, but you can never rule her out. Out of the wood and onto the finish and Levi once again held sway over Kyza and Bon Jove, and as they met the rising ground Levi had five yards, but the former champion wasn't going to lie down, just about getting his nose in front about ten yards off the line with Levi battling back and Kyza surging again on the line. I was stood parallel with the line and could not split them, it was a tremendous finish, and after some deliberation the race was awarded to Levi. Bon Jovi ran with great credit in third, High Challenge fourth, Darling making good ground into fifth without troubling the leaders, and Relentless sixth.
The weather worsened for the pups, and most of us missed them going through, although I'm informed one of the Waver pups was driving, being chased by Toffee De Luxe and Pot Look with the two black hounds Sambo and Blackbird fourth and fifth. Out of the wood and there were plenty with chances, although some seemed intent on throwing their chance away running wide. As they came through the bob hole I was confident the favourite Pot Look would win as it was nicely poised in third, but maybe having been recovering from the cough took it's toll, as Waver Rock made the best of it's way to the line, only to be mugged close home by Toffee Deluxe, with Pot Look close up in third and fast finishing Paddys Return in fourth. Waver Lady and Sambo made up the minor placings in a close up fifth and sixth.
The open restricted produced another good finish with several hounds holding chances out of the wood. Course specialist High Patrol took up the running at the road and never really looked in danger after that, running on strongly to account for Birkby Tan, with Sparkle finishing strongly into third, Eden Roberta fourth, Silent Star fifth and well fancied Hunters Lane sixth, the two most fancied runners Westgate Ripple and Showgirl finished out of the tickets.
Sunday 18 July
It was wet, miserable and misty at Bank Farm, Lorton but it is Jenny's Dreams idea of heaven (I'm sure young Jenny Bland has been doing a rain dance every day!!!). The Patterdale two year old relishes the conditions and he raced to his third win of the season in the senior trail when showing on the finish in front and running on well to lead home his older kennel mate Huntsman's Charm by a couple of lengths with Courtesy a similar distance adrift in third place. Habana was fourth and Westgate Ruby fifth and these five had pulled a long way clear of last years winner, Mayfair which took sixth.
There was a small field of eight senior maidens and the word from the road was that three hounds had a good lead over the other five runners. Because of the mist, viewing them on the fell was impossible but the puppy trailers rang in from the split and said was that Davina was driving with Thorn Girl and The Legal Beagle in close attendance climbing up the fell. When they appeared on the finish, Joanna Satterthwaite's Thorn Girl had taken the initiative with Davina in hot pursuit and Thorn Girl ran on well to take the spoils by a couple of lengths. The Legal Beagle was coming third but ran wide coming towards the tape and went back looking for the trail. In the meantime, Lingbeck Shadow came through to take third ahead of Kelly Mac and The Legal Beagle recovered eventually to claim fifth.
In the puppy trail, the Jackson, Loan & Smith's Colleen and the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Future were vying for the lead in the early stages and when they showed on the finish, Colleen had thirty yards advantage over Altanic with Huntsman's Future a similar distance adrift in third. These three had drawn well clear of the rest of the field. As they came out of the last dip onto the finish, approaching the tape, Colleen and Altanic veered off to their left and went out of sight of the judge. Huntsman's Future came straight and was awarded the race. The remainder of the field came in a bunch and some of them including one of the fancied runners Westgate Gypsy also veered off, Momentum kept a good line and came through to take second place with Big Mac third and Kingdom fourth.
Brian & John Graham's ever green veteran Outrageous won the open maiden trail at this venue last season and she fairly scooted round in the open restricted, spread eagling the field and coming home in by far the fastest time of the afternoon of the short races. The Bassenthwaite bitch finished well clear of Alles Springs which in turn was well clear of Brannigan.
Saturday 17 July
Three meetings today, kicking off with Shap at 1.00pm. There was a high class senior field with two former senior champions, Show Girl and 'Kyza' taking their chance along with another of this seasons top contenders, Huntsman's Dazzler. As they went up the fell above the trail field after about 18 minutes or so, there was a line of eleven hounds all still in contention but coming off the back fell on the other side of the valley, heading for the finish they had got strung out and two hounds, which proved to be Dazzler and Show Girl had pulled clear of the rest of the field. This pair were closely matched all the way through the fell and as they appeared coming through the gate onto the final stretch there was only a few yards in it. Dazzler led all the way down the trod but when the whistles went on, Show Girl pulled along side and asserted approaching the tape, going on to score her third win by a couple of lengths. Westgate Kyza led in the next bunch to take third place ahead of One Man and My Girl and these three in turn had drawn clear of Mabel which finished well to claim the sixth ticket.
Next was the maiden trail and again going up the fell above the field there was a good line of hounds. Heading for the finish and there were still plenty with chances but the Simpson's Truthful was in front closely pursued by the O'Brien's Not Now Jack and the Holmes' Spot On. They remained in this order coming down the trod in the closing stages and rounding the final bend, Not Now Jack drew level with Truthful and the pair had a good race all the way to the line. There was much deliberation as to which had come out on top and in the end a dead heat was declared. Spot On ran on well to take third place and Cavendish moved up to take fourth place with a good late run.
There was a small field of just seven in the puppy trail and they were all thereabouts at the half way stage. The leading group had been reduced to four coming through the back fell and having led into sight onto the finish, the favourite, John & Val Loan's Jacob McClink ran on gamely to record his seventh win of the season ahead of Alec & Jackie Steele's pair Colourful and Poker Face. It was somewhat of a family affair, a litter 1-2-3 as they were all bred by Jackie by Hill Breeze out of Seven Up.
There was further cause for celebration for the Steele's as their two year old Shahdi took the spoils in the open non winners trail. Some of the runners came back after a few minutes but four hounds stuck to their tasks gamely and the quartet finished a long way clear of the other ticketing hounds. Shahdi was in front coming down the finish ahead of Denial, Temperance and Red Pike and they finished in this order with Shahdi earning the win by a margin of a couple of lengths.
In the open restricted a good race ensued and it was the Holmes & Baxter's Sundown that followed up a promising run at Latrigg on Thursday, with his first win in this grade. The Graham's Jordan's Tyke, the current leader in the HTA OR points, bagged another five points when taking second place ahead of the Dawson's Ms Dynamite.
Thank you to Dave Howson for the following report: Strange one this, Wath Brow Sports, and no sports. I remember the days when this was a huge event and there was always a fight in the beer tent, it's much quieter now.
Seniors first up, and Molly Malone was the hot favourite. Word from outside was that five dogs were clear, Cinnabar and Molly Malone were in front, pursued by Alliance, Miss Molly and Valhalla. As they dropped off the top it was Valhalla who had established a nice lead, and with no beck to cross today, she won comfortably with Molly Malone in second, Miss Molly third, Alliance fourth, Cinnabar fifth and Jealousy a remote sixth.
In the pups former course winner winner Night Spirit was made favourite, but it was second favourite Medwyn that was backed "off the boards". As they came into view Medwyn and Justify had a few yards, but as they came out of the dip Justify wasn't there, leaving Medwyn to come home for a comfortable win from Ryans Lady Anna, who is running well again, Night Spirit was in third, Justify running on again into fourth, Lady Anna Ryans fifth and Romulus sixth.
The maidens was a good betting heat with several dogs well backed, however it was one ignored in the betting that took first ticket, Celtic Spirit finishing strongly to hold off the well backed Roulette and kennelmate Celtic Warrior. Another hevily backed dog Butterfly was fourth, with Foxparke lady Amanda fifth, and Foxy Lady sixth.
A good race in the restricted, and favourite Amy Jo led into view, but going out of sight Black Poppy had moved up to take the lead. As they came out of the dip Poppy asserted down the hill winning comfortably from Amy Jo, with the consistent Mang Nix finishing well in third and course specialist Newtown Clover fourth, Random Star was fifth and Elessar sixth.
Thank you to Cathy Lister for this report:
Tonight was the last trail of the season at Gamelsby, so to send it off in style there was rosettes and prize money for the first ten hounds in each trail. In the old dogs there was 12 runners and when they went through the bank adjacent to the field at half way it was Darling and Quiet Swallow with a few lenghts on the next group of four and they were well ahead of the rest of the field. When they came onto the finish, Darling had pulled away and had a handy lead on the next two, 'Quiet' and Infinity. Darling won by half of the last field and the other two had a good race for second and third and Infinity just got the better of Quiet Swallow on the tape.
In the pups they were all to get a rosette and prize money as there was only seven in the race. When they went through the bank they were all together with Cracking Future, Sambo and Morning Service taking it in turns to drive the pack. They were still all together on the finish and Cracking beat Sambo by a couple of lengths with the rest close in behind for the other tickets.
In the restricted there was 12 runners and it was Busy Night that led the group through the bank. When they came onto the finish she was still in front and finished very strongly to win by a good eight lengths with Cracking Thore taking second, Dixie Moon third and Pursuit fourth.
Thursday 15 July
Thank you to Cathy Lister for the following report on Oulton:
There were eleven hounds in the senior race and it was Westgate Kyza who came out of the wood onto the finish in front, he had about three lengths on Darling but when they came towards the road, 'Kyza' ran wide at the cows and it was Darling which led into the final field and went on to win by about five lengths with High Challange about ten lengths behind Kyza in third place.
The smallest slip of the night was in the pups and course specialist, Lady Agenda took the honours by about ten lengths from Sambo, these two came out of the wood with a good lead from the rest of the pack.
The largest entry of the night was the open restricted and Bon Jovi and Busy Night came out of the wood just about neck and neck. When they crossed the last road, Bon Jovi pulled away and just held on to win by about a length.
Tonight's fell action took place at Keswick's Latrigg Top, there was a good class field of old dogs and Jenny Bland's Jenny's Dream led them a merry dance, taking the lead from an early stage and maintaining it all the way climbing out up Skiddaw and coming through the heather above the trail field and up out of sight onto the second half. At this stage, there was a good line of dogs still in contention. Coming into sight on the back fell and 'Snoopy' was still in front, I'm not sure exactly what else was there but Mayfair was fourth and Davina fifth and there were still plenty of dogs in with chances as they dropped off the fell and into the fields in the bottom of the valley. The next time you see them they pop over the hill and it is an uphill pull to the line. Last years winner Mayfair appeared with the lead just ahead of Davina and Westgate Renney and that was how they finished with Jenny's Dream finishing well to move up from fifth place on the whistles to get fourth.
There was a small field of just six pups and the three market leaders Colleen, Jacob McClink and Westgate Gypsy stole an early march, pulling clear of the other trio climbing out onto the fell. By the time they appeared on the back fell, the same three were still closely grouped and had increased their advantage. As they turned to drop in, Gypsy and Jacob overshot the trail and climbed up instead of making the descent, Colleen kept herself right and had a good lead over her two rivals dropping into the fields. However, she made a miss at the fence in the bottom and going in out of sight they were all back together and there was all to play for again. Coming onto the finish and Colleen and Jacob were neck and neck with 'Gypsy' a good fifty yards adrift, when the whistles went on Colleen pulled twenty yards clear to win her first open trail in eye catching style and it could well be the first of many.
Next up was the puppy maidens and Huntsman's Future set off at her usual break neck speed and led them out onto the fell. Going through the back fell, 'Future' was still up at the front with Temperance, Tiagress, Colourful and Momentum also amongst the leaders. Momentum made a similar mistake to 'Gypsy and Jacob and after doing a lap of the bracken bed only joined back in 11th, however, he flew down the fell and got back in contention by the time they had gone out of sight. Coming into view onto the finish, several hounds had winning chances but I would say Tiagress just led. A blanket finish developed and the first five hounds crossed the line together. The Crosby's Temperance led just before the tape, but a late surge by Christine Brownlee's Momentum was enough to take the spoils with Kingdom in third, Colourful fourth and Tiagress fifth. There couldn't be more than two or three lengths separating the five of them at the line.
In the open restricted, the Rosthwaite team of Stanley & Carole Jackson, David & Brian Loan completed a winning double when Courtesy took the spoils. The three year old was prominent throughout and led through the back fell, down the fields and out of sight. At this point, four hounds had pulled clear, Courtesy, Huntsman's Ruler, Toytown and Sundown. Climbing out onto the finish and Courtesy had Toytown for company and these two had drawn away, the pair had a good race but Courtesy always had the upperhand and in the end won by a length to round off a very good evening for Borrowdale kennels.
Wednesday 14 July
By the sounds of things Tuesday nights conditions had improved slightly however, we did have a good down pour between the seniors and pup trails with thunder and lightening during the course of the evening. Poor trailers were out on the open fell during this time. The Area Committee were missing their Chairperson Tommy Newall, who is recovering from heart surgery, we all wish him well and a speedy recovery.
David will provide report :
Firstly we would all like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Grey family, as the nights sport was overshadowed by the tragic news that Ken Grey of Grey Bros bookmaking fame had sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with his brother Brian and their families.
Onto the trailing, and the weather was pleasant to begin with, and a high class senior slip made their way out onto the fell. It was a frantic betting heat, with heavy support for Saturdays winner Showgirl and the fast improving Dairy Diamond. As they dropped off the fell Showgirl was a good second. and climbing out of the gully she had ominously established a decent lead, but not a hundred yards further on she stopped and a massive scale ensued with dogs turning back, going on, turning back again and running around in circles. This is not the first time this has happened at this spot, and many believe the blame may lie with foxes. Chardonnay established a big lead before she too stopped and turned back. Alliance and Miss Molly were prominent going out of sight, and Showgirl had a seemingly impossible task as she was set off in pursuit. By the time they hit the finish the weather had deteriorated badly, and the hounds were difficult to make out, Alliance was second, but what was the heavy marked dog with it? As they emerged out of the dip that became obvious, classy hound dairy Diamond had taken control for what was surely the first of many forthcoming victories this season beating Alliance by about ten yards, these nicely clear of Miss Molly with Gendarme fourth and Showgirl running a remarkable race to get back up to fifth, the champion really does seem to have been nursed back to her best by her handlers. JetRose was sixth.
The pups saw Reg Bells Enoch back in search of a quick double, and there was significant market support for her to do so. The thunderstorm had cleared and the viewing was good, no problems for these hounds as Medwyn and Justify contested the lead with Enoch always therabouts as they went through. I had been reliably informed by the Cleator Moor lads that Night Spirit wasn't too quick "inbank", but he led them down the hill and was never headed, coming into view with a couple of lengths over Enoch and Ryans Lady Anna. Enoch put in a remarkable burst of speed in the last few yards, but Night Spirit just held on by about a head. Ryans Lady Anna ran a cracker in third, followed by the consistent Paddys return, Justify and Medwyn.
In the maiden trail a lemon and white dog seemed to make it's own way across the fell establishing a big lead, everyone was aware of this, but the guesing game as to what it was went on throughout the race. Through the gully and the form good thing from Sundays restricted race, the Petersen & Oldcorn's Cavendish was in hot pursuit of the leader closely attended by Ruby. As they dropped over the top a lemon and white dog was still in front, and it was assumed it must be the same dog. Cavendish was closing all the way to the line but the leader held on by a couple of lenghts, however it was decided that the "winner" Ginger Lou had been the one that had taken a short cut and was disqualified, therefore Cavendish was declared the winner, and no argumwents from anybody on that score. Celtic Warrior, who had led into view in Saturdays senior maidens ran on for second, with Silent Witness again knocking on the door in third, mang Nix running another fine race in fourth with Butterfly catching the eye in fifth, the sixth ticket was not claimed. It seems us bookies might have been a bit lucky escaping what was a significant gamble on Ginger Lou in the non winners on Sunday.
The restricted race looked on paper a cracker, and it didn't disappoint. Going through the fell it seemed all the fancied dogs were there and with chances, but on the finish it looked a two dog race between My Girl and Whitby Steps. As they emerged out of the dip Jud Booths One Man had made good groung to challenge Whitby, but had to settle for second place again as the winner ran on very strongly, My Girl ran on for third with Hot Secret, Some Girl and Linsdale taking the minor honours. It says a lot for the standard of veterans this year when they filled three of the first six places in this extremely hot contest.
Tuesday 13 July
Thank you to David Howson for the following report: A miserable night at Helton, cold, wet and mysteriously bad trails for what is usually an excellent venue.
Old dogs first up and they were reported to be scaling badly as they were viewed climbing the fell. The weather was poor and nobody seemed to see the dogs dropping in, in fact I never saw a dog until they crossed the road, where it was apparent Huntsmans Chance, who loves it wet, had a few yards over Habana, these two well clear. Chance ran on gamely up the hill to hold off Habana who was gaining all the way to the line, these two a long way clear of Bonny lass in third, Freebie in fourth, Sovereign fifth and Huntsmans Charm sixth. Eighteen old dogs were reported to be missing, thankfully they all got home safe eventually, even if one of them was the early hours of this morning.
Pups next and the finish was fought out by three dogs, the Steeles Pokerface and Colourful, and Keith Lynch & Darren McMaster's Endurance. It was nip and tuck all the way to the line with Pokerface prevailing by a length from Endurance, with Colourful a similar distance back in third. Nike, Grange Torres and Betty Boo filled the minor placings. Hot favourite Tagget, and fancied hounds Tiagress and Jacob McLink were literally miles behind.
In the maidens there was a false slip and nine were disqualified. Sherlock was first past the post but was one of those disqualified, giving the race to Huntsmans Future who used it's undoubted pace to chase those that got away. The Crosbys Temperance ran a good race in a very close second, clear of Spot on, Eden River, Sundown and Brad the Lad.
As I made my way off the field, I was greeted by a despondent looking maiden on the road who looked like course specialist Not Now Jack, he wouldn't come to me and made his way down the fell and hopefully back towards the finish. If he hadn't got round I suspect it must have been hard work for them for whatever reason.
Sunday 11 July
Cold Fell Festival, one of the highlights of the HTA calender, it may have been a day later than planned but proceedings today went like clockwork and there were seven highly competitive races to be enjoyed. I only arrived in time to see the open non winners finish but in the open restricted Danny McCluskey & Sheila Metcalfe's Plumbland three year old Toffee Supreme had taken the honours by a few yards ahead of Jayne & Mark Petersen & Co's Cavendish, which had led down into the dip approaching the finish. Both hounds were bred out of Toffee Girl, 'Supreme' sired by Calzaghe and Cavendish sired by Westgate Ruler.
Onto the open non winners and going through the fell, three hounds had started to pull clear (not sure what the first two were but Denial was third!). The Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Future went after them going through the stones and away from us and by the time they had reached the far end had latched on the back of them. As they came over the top to drop in for the finish they had bunched up and there were several in with winning chances but it was the Napier family's Foxparke Traveller that showed with the lead and ran on well to beat Maurice & KatieTunstall's Ruby by a few lengths with Huntsman's Future not too far adrift in third.
Next up were the veterans and Maurice & Hannah Bewley's Duet set off like a scalded cat and had a good lead climbing out onto the fell. As they turned back on the trod heading for the ghyll, the Jud Booth trained One Man was in hot pursuit of the leader along with Birkett Lawson & Gillian Simpson's pair Linsdale and Lone Star and the Swanton's Some Girl but Duet continued to do the work and led through the stones going away from us. Coming onto the finish the same hounds were still in contention and going out of sight, Duet and One Man were having a real battle for the lead. When they popped out of the bottom, Duet had asserted and went on to score a deserved victory by ten yards ahead of One Man with Linsdale taking third, Some Girl fourth and Lone Star fifth.
The £1000 Grand Senior Trail was next on the card and as expected there was a high class field. All of the top hounds in the senior championship took their chances and as they set off, Penny Swanton's Show Girl and Susan Glaister's Westgate Kyza were setting the early pace ahead of the Farren & Naylor's Miss Molly. As they came back into view at the half way point, two hounds dropped in with a good lead, Alliance and what we first thought was Huntsman's Dazzler but then decided was Dairy Singer. However, the others soon made in roads into their advantage and although Dairy Singer went through the ghyll and into the stones with the lead, Show Girl, Kyza, Miss Molly and plenty of others, including High Challenge which was passing dogs like they were standing still, were well within striking distance. Over the skyline dropping in for the finish, three hounds had pulled a few yards clear and Laura Steele's Quiet Swallow, which loved it here last year as a pup went to the front going out of sight. Onto the final straight and 'Swallow' still held a narrow advantage but Show Girl and Dairy Singer were hot on her heels and the reigning champion just surged ahead at the tape to narrowly take the honours with 'Swallow' second and 'Singer' third in what was a very good race.
Heidi Messenger & John Grisedale achieved a unique feat in the senior maidens when they became the first to turn out both first and second placed hounds in the same trail at the Festival. Their litter mates Roulette and Relentless both put in great performances having been up with the pace throughout. Relentless led going through and Roulette was second and the pair kept their positions, pulling clear on the finish with Roulette just getting the better of her brother by a couple of legths, much to Heidi's delight. Just to round it off they also claimed the trophy for the kennel with the most points.
There was a small but select field in the puppy trail and they went round the first half tightly grouped. The lead kept changing hands but Tagget, Altanic, Medwyn and Enoch all took their turn at the front as they came through in front of us. Dropping down for the finish and the Dog Produce winner, Altanic showed with lead ahead of the Palmer's Medwyn and Reg Bell's Enoch and these three had a few yards on the chasing bunch. On the run in, they had bunched up a bit and Enoch hit the front. Despite the best efforts of Da Look and Medwyn to get back on terms the Wigton bitch kept the advantage and scored her first win of the season by a couple of lengths. Reggie's hat went flying in celebration and no doubt it will be late one in the Stocksman tonight!
The Jackson, Loan & Smith's Colleen led for much of the way in the puppy maidens. The Rosthwaite bitch went into an early lead and was never really headed all the way round and onto the finish. Endurance had been challenging for the lead dropping in for the finish but ran off to our right and as a result he lost a few places. This left Colleen ahead of Tiagress going out of sight and as they appeared again, these two had been joined by Nessa Simpson's Nike which produced a good turn of foot to come through and deny Colleen close home, the Kendal bitch going on to win for her delighted connections by a couple of lengths.
Thursday 8 July
Thank you to David Howson for the following report:
Small fields at Bridekirk with owners understandably having an eye on the big prizes at Cold Fell at the festival this weekend. Cathy Listers in form Owtback was sent off favourite of the six seniors, but as they came through the bottoms it was Quiet Swallow who showed with a nice lead on Tidal Bay, these two a long way clear of the others, but coming to the gate they both scaled and started going back the way they came allowing the others to catch up, and ominously Owtback came through to take the lead. Dropping onto the finish it still looked good for the favourite, tracking leader Hunters Lane going out of sight with Tidal Bay in third and Quiet Swallow fourth. What happened in the dip is anybodies guess because as they emerged it was now Hunters Lane being chased by That's a Deal, with Quiet Swallow third, Owtback only a remote fourth, and Tidal Bay had dropped out of contention. A terrific race to the line with Quiet Swallow gaining on the first two all the time, but Hunters Lane held on gamely for it's first senior win, narrowly holding on from That's a Deal by about half a length.
Another terrific finish in the pups, again a small field but splendid entertainment. Through the bottom Quiet Goldfinch was driving the race in some style with Pot Look, Da Look and Blackbird in hot pursuit, but shortly after it was reported Goldfinch was coming back. It was widely expected that would leave three on the finish, but when they appeared Paddys Return had made good ground to join the fray. Out of the dip and Da Look had the lead with Blackbird hard on his heels, Pot Look poised to challenge in behind. Da look ran on very strongly to take the spoils repelling the late surge of it's kennelmate by about a length, with Blackbird again running a good race a similar distance back in third, Paddys Return ran on for fourth, a long way clear of Trinder and True Blue.
The maidens was always going to be run at a breakneck pace, and sure enough Rhinestone Cowboy had a good lead on Bon Jovi through the bottoms. As they appeared on the finish two were nicely clear, most assumed the black and white hound would be Bon Jovi, but one shrewdie shouted "What price Sophisticated?" Sure enough it was the veteran, who quickened in good style to record an easy win and pocket the eagle eyed punter a few quid, Gendarme ran on strongly for second ticket, Bon Jovi following through for third passing Small Print in fourth. Rhinestone Cowboy remarkably and frustratingly for his supporters slowed to a walk only claiming fifth in the end, with Magic Bay claiming sixth.
Roll on Saturday, see you at the festival, good luck to you all and try and leave me with a few quid for a pint on Saturday night.
Wednesday 7 July
Thank you to David howson for the following report:
It was quiet at Lamplugh, hardly surprising with two fell trails held on the same night. The pups were first up and although only nine runners, there were half a dozen with a chance on the finish as they appeared into view. The two thatv broke clear of the pack were Justify and produce winner Altanic, and although Justify gained a few yards down the hill, it was hardly surprising after witnessing Altanics "Superman" impression coming inbank at Threlkeld that he got the upper hand to win by a couple of lengths with the Ryans Lady Anna and Lady Anna Ryans ( I think I've got that right) close up. Skys the Limit was fifth and it would seem that Night Spirit does not come downhill quite as fast as he finishes on level ground or uphill finishing sixth. If you're wondering what I'm talking about with the "Superman" bit, when they came to the last descent after the gate off the fell at Threlkeld, Altanic actually took off over the breast of the hill with both front feet outstretched like the super hero before really scooting down the hill, great to watch if you saw it.
Open maidens next and it was a good field with plenty of dogs with chances, however, if the betting was to be believed it was a two dog race between Mang Nix and the previous evenings winner Relentless who had outstanding form at the venue in the practice trails. Sure enough, Relentless led into view pursued by Mang Nix, but Mang Nix took a wide course forfieting it's chance. Coming down the hill Quiet Swift and the splendidly named Legal Beagle took up the running, and although the Beagle challenged 50 yards out, Quiet Swift pulled out extra to win quite comfortably by about five yards, Relentless back in third perhaps feeling the exertions of the previous evening in third. Mang Nix ran on for fourth, with Celtic Spirit and Sweet Pea filling the minor placings.
Quite a break before the old dogs so I took advantage of the offer of a lift to the Lamplugh Tip for a shandy and good crack with the Cleator Moor lads, and on returning the senior race looked on paper like a match between the two Mollys, Molly Malone and Miss Molly. The early "blow" was that four had broken well clear, the two principals were tracking Chardonnay, with Tearaway Lady in hot pursuit. The next blow reported that the first three were clear of Tearaway Lady, who was in turn well clear of the rest. As they came onto the finish the race was over as a contest, Molly Malone justified support in the betting ring coming home a good hundred yards clear of Miss Molly, with Chardonnay again running well ten yards further adrift. Tearaway lady came home a remote fourth, a distance clear of Hot Flush and Amy Jo.
The second of the Knott Houses fixtures at Grasmere and in the senior trail the favourite Desire had a good lead when they showed coming through the back fell. Dropping in, two or three others made inroads into her advantage and then Desire dropped back to third when getting stuck on the fell gate. After eventually negotiating the obstacle, Desire again went to the front but then some sheep gathered on the trod,holding them up again and causing the leaders all to bunch up and when they disappeared out of sight, there were plenty of hounds back in with chances.
It was then reported that they were obstructed by some cows and when they showed on the finish, Westgate Ruby had a few yards advantage over Velvet and these two had stolen a march on their rivals. Velvet finished well to overhaul Westgate Ruby and earn her first win of the season and Desire also made good late ground to get third place.
In the puppy trail, four hounds had pulled clear coming through the back fell, Tagget, Westgate Gypsy, Medwyn and Tiagress. As they began to descend, Westgate Gypsy got wrong and looked to have squandered her winning chances by going back up the fell, leaving the other three clear. However, when they appeared on the finish, Gypsy had got back to the leading group along with Colourful and there were five in with potential chances. Tagget was just about in front but put her nose down and ran off in the third last field putting herself out of contention and the determined 'Gypsy' finished strongly, pulling clear to beat the fast finishing Colourful and Tiagress in good style to continue her climb up the championship table.
Gill Todd's Temptation was well fancied in the open maidens and the three year old came to the front descending the fell and went out of sight with a few yards advantage over Wattmore and Meadow Patch with the others, headed by Farmwalk close in behind. When they came onto the finish, Jim Bob Batty & Co's Farmwalk had come through to take the lead with Temptation in hot pursuit and following a good race, Temptation just got up to take the spoils by a couple of lengths with Meadow Patch taking third and Wattmore bagging another three points by taking fourth.
Tuesday 6 July
Thank you to David Howson for the following report:
Penny Swanton's Darling fired a shot across the bows of her title rivals with a promising comeback at Redmain, showing with plenty to do on the finish, she cruised to the lead at the final gate before her recent lack of a run and illlness took it's toll in the closing stages and she was passed in the last few yards by Cathy Lister's flying finisher Owtback, who is running extremely well at the moment. At the half way stage it was Tarantino and Busy Night making the running, with a good few yards over Owtback and Alliance running with much more zest in fourth, at the business end though it was Alliance, Owtback and Darling who would fight it out, with Quiet Swallow running well holding on for fourth from Tarantino, with Hunters Lane filling sixth place.
The pups was a terrific contest, with the majority closely grouped all the way round, including on the finish where it was clear the best finisher would win, although it could be argued that dog would be Sawdust, she did have a little too much to do. In the end it was Steven Irving & James McClellan's kennelmates Pot Look and Da Look who took first and second, from Reg Bells fast finishing Enoch in third and Paddys Return continuing to return to his early season form back in fourth, Blackbird also continues to improve and held every chance before finishing fifth, and this was by no means because she didn't finish, they all finished well, including Sawdust who ran on well into sixth.
In the restricted race, three had broken well clear at halfway, the McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy, John Grisedale & Heidi Messenger's Relentless and Carol Smith's Bon Jovi. This is how they came on to the finish. Into the last field Cowboy and Bon Jovi had pulled a few yards clear of Relentless, but with seeming inevitability, the talented but enigmatic Cowboy slowed twenty yards before the line, with Bon Jovi slowing even more dramatically to allow Relentless to come through and win going away. Tidal Bay again ran well holding the fast finishing Sophisticated Lady for fourth, with Gendarme catching the eye in sixth. As I last looked at the chasing group, Small Print was challenging for fourth but finished just out of tickets, I don't know what happened there as I was enthralled in the finish of the first three.
As a footnote it was like the back end up there, I've packed my jumper for the trip to Lamplugh tonight
Monday 5 July
The Jimmy Glaister Memorial Meeting was held at Setmabanning Threlkeld and there was a very good turn out of both hounds and followers all united in the memory of one of the sports greatest characters. The senior trail was contested for a Memorial Trophy and replica donated by the Keswick area committee and it was very apt that the first recipient should be Jimmy's dual champion Westgate Kyza, now owned and trained by his daughter and grand-daughter, Susan and Sarah.
Coming into sight through the back fell, 'Kyza' was in front with the two Huntsman's, Dazzler and Charm in hot pursuit. Habana was fourth and this quartet had pulled clear of the others. Round the corner heading for the finish and 'Kyza' pulled clear descending the fell, going away and recording his ninth win of the season by a hundred yards. 'Dazzler' kept his position to take second place ahead of kennel mate 'Charm' and Graham & Julie Burkinshaw's Boreas came through in the closing stages to take fourth place ahead of another of Jimmy's old favourites Westgate Ruby and Jim Bob Batty's Ivy Crag in a good race for the minor tickets.
Westgate Gypsy completed a memorable evening for the family when justifying favouritism in the puppy trail. The youngster led going through the back fell and still held the advantage dropping in to the finish. In the end the bitch hound scored her eighth success of the campaign when beating the Dog Produce winner Altanic, by fifty yards. These two had pulled away from Alec & Jackie Steele's pair Colourful and Poker Face and Jcob McClink and Toffee Deluxe filled the other places.
There was a very good field in the open restricted and going through the back fell four hounds had stolen a march. Toffee Supreme was in front ahead of Superseven, Jordan's Tyke and Rose and they had a comfortable lead over Westgate Ripple. Rounding the corner, the leading lot bunched up a bit and Jordan's Tyke made the best descent, hitting the front half way down the fell and running on strongly to maintain the initiative all the way to the line. Toffee Supreme took second place ahead of Superseven with Rose close up in fourth place.
Saturday 3 July
Bitch Produce Day at Gaisgill near Tebay and the feature event, which promised to be a fascinating affair on paper, did not disappoint. Most of the fancied hounds took their place on the starting line and although it was a bit too hazy to see exactly what the leading hounds were dropping down the back fell were, it could be seen that there were plenty in with chances. Standing on the finish, it felt like an eternity until they popped back into view, but when they did the leading bunch had been reduced to just four and Reg Bell's Enoch was the narrow leader ahead of Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy.
Completing the quartet were Tiagress and Tagget and the last named produced a very good turn of foot in the closing stages, coming through to take the initiative close home and the Bassenthwaite bitch forged clear to claim a very memorable victory by a few yards for Brian Graham & Les McTear, the duo that were responsible for Watt Next winning the senior championship. Graham & Julie Burkinshaw, close friends of Brian & John Graham were also part of the celebrations as they bred Tagget out of their old favourite, the Grasmere Sports specialist, Bretton.
Westgate Gypsy ran on well to take second place just ahead of the Wilson, Stainton & Westmorland's Tiagress with Enoch fading into fourth. Alan Blacklock's Blackbird was always prominent and did well to earn fifth place and Maurice Bewley's Lady Agenda, which was an absentee last time at the venue also ran well to take sixth.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Wilson, Westmorland & Stainton's Habana opened her senior account for the season when beating the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Desire by ten yards. Desire had led coming off the fell and had established an advantage of a good fifty yards but when they showed on the finish, the Troutbeck bitch showed with the lead and despite the best efforts of Desire to get back on terms, Habana ran on gamely and took the spoils. Susan Glaister's Westgate Kyza put in a good performance to take third place and the other ticketers were the Tynan & Fowler's Molly Malone, Arthur & Irene Temple's Dairy Diamond and Jim Bob Batty & Co's Ivy Crag.
The happiest young lady on the field was Emma Blenkharn when Sparrowmire Jill earned the red rosette in the senior maiden trail. The Kendal two year old (formerly Halycon) had finished just out of the tickets in the senior trail at the preview fixture and returned to take the honours in very good style. The runners had got well broken up en route and coming off the back fell there were just ten or eleven hounds out of the 39 runners in contention. Sparrowmire Jill was just in front dropping in and was still leading coming onto the finish. The bitch hound finished well to hold off the challenge from Jim Batty, Mike Slee & Norman Fallow's Ramblin' Rose with Alan & Debbie O'Brien's ultra consistent Small Print in third.
In the open puppy trail, I was spectating from the side and was able to appreciate the good views of the hounds in action on the finish. It was a very good race, the lead changed hands several times in the final stages but when it came down to the crunch, Joe McCartney & Paul Byer's Night Spirit just had the edge over Alec & Jackie Steele's Poker Face, the first named just getting the verdict by half a length or so. Ricky Deacon & Paul Nicholson's Jackie Boy was third just ahead of the International winner Jacob McClink.
The open restricted trail resulted in a win - rather fittingly - for a former Bitch Produce winner, Bonny Lass.The five year old is now trained at Kentmere by Yvonne Wilson and having tracked the evergreen, Lofty owned by Bill Benson, onto the finish, Bonny showed a good turn of foot and came through strongly to take the spoils by several lengths. Big trail specialist Dairy Singer had a little too much to do but finished third with Margaret Baxter's Halloween fourth and Dorothy Wilding's Freebie running fabulous race to take fifth.
Wednesday 30 June
Thank you to David Howson for the following report:
What would Cinnabar do?
That was the question on everyones lips as the senior hounds went out on to the fell after she had put extra ground in on the last two trails at this venue by crossing down by the bridge and coming up the road and jumping into the last field 150 yards to the right over the gate. When the dogs came onto the finish it didn't seem relevant, hot favourite Molly Malone and Cinnabars kennelmate Valhalla were well clear of her in third place. Remarkably, course specialist 'Molly' ran off on the last downhill descent leaving the race at the mercy of Valhalla who popped into the beck with a clear lead, but once again the beck was to decide the outcome of the race, and it was Cinnabar that emerged a clear leader having not put a foot wrong this time, Valhalla filling second place for a 1-2 for the Langdale kennel, Molly Malone recovered to take an unlucky third place, Hot Flush ran another fine race in fourth, Chardonnay ran an encouraging race in fifth and Lambrini claimed sixth ticket.
Only six runners in the pups and Medwyn and Justify were out to make amends after throwing away winning chances at the venue on Saturday. From the top of the fell to the bottom it was a real three way battle as Medwyn, Justify and Da Look fought for the honours, nothing between them all the way down. As they hit the beck Da Look held a narrow advantage, but Justify emerged with the lead and ran on gamely to hold off Da Look by about a length, with Medwyn close up in third. These were a long way clear of the only other finishers Lady Anna Ryans and Ryans Lady Anna (The times I've got mixed up with Lady Ryans and Ryans Lady in the past, and they do this to me!)
The Open Restricted race saw three dogs dominate the betting, namely Mang Nix, Linsdale and Newtown Clover, and as they came over the top these three were together, but Linsdale dropped down like the proverbial stone, going clear and looking like winning comfortably, however when they came back into view Spud Murphys hound was in hot pursuit. They handled the beck best of all and Linsdale emerged with a length lead, but faltered checking to see where it's rival was allowing Clover to take charge and win by about half a dog length, Mang Nix coming home third, well clear of No Chance, Dairy Knight and Shifter.
Tuesday 29 June
Tonights action took place at Newlands near Keswick, one of the most picturesque venues set in a beautiful valley with excellent views of the hounds in action and the best home made quiche and cake served by the locals that money can probabaly buy! What more could you ask for?
First up was the senior trail and the Temple's Dairy Singer recorded her first open win of the season. The Holmrook bitch was prominent throughout the race and did her fair share of the work at the front. Going through the fell beside the trail field heading for the finish, there were plenty of hounds still with chances and when they came over the skyline onto the finish, Jenny Bland’s Jenny’s Dream had taken the lead. The dog hound made a good descent and was still in front jumping the wall off the fell into the fields but he tired in the closing stages and in the end finished out of the tickets. Meanwhile, Dairy Singer finished well, coming through late to beat Charlotte Stobbart & Brian Graham’s Gifted by a few yards with The Farren & Naylor’s Miss Molly not too far adrift in third. The reigning puppy champion Dairy Diamond caught the eye with a good run in fourth place and it won't be long before she is back in the winners circle.
Will & Gillian Todd’s Temptation put in a good performance to take the honours in the senior maiden trail. The three year old made an excellent descent, dropping from fourth place and pulling well away from her rivals to win very easily in the end. Jim Batty, Mike Slee & Norman Fallows’ pair Ramblin’ Rose and Farmer were second and third in a good race for the rest of the tickets.
In the puppy trail, the leaders over ran the turn onto the finish but they soon straightened themselves up and the favourite, Westgate Gypsy had the Wilson & Westmorland’s Tiagress for company dropping in. However, they failed to negotiate the wall at the bottom of the fell and it was the Loan family’s Jacob McClink that took the lead and went on to earn his sixth win of the season in good style. ‘Gypsy’ recovered to take second ahead of the fast finishing Colourful, owned by Alec & Jackie Steele with Tiagress back in fourth.
Les Hudson’s The Penny Arcade gave a good downhill exhibition in the open restricted trail. The bitch had led going through the fell heading for the finish and came over the top in second place behind the Yvonne Wilson trained Bonny Lass. From here, the three year old dropped like the proverbial stone and drew well clear to win very comfortably. Bonny Lass ran on to take second place just ahead of the favourite Bill Benson’s Lofty, which had won the senior trail here for the past two seasons.
Saturday 29 May
At Rosthwaite, the Keswick area played host to their penultimate fixture before the Dog Produce in a couple of weeks time and Jenny's Dream appreciated the change in the weather conditions, delighting his young owner, Jenny Bland by leading for much of the trail and pulling clear dropping in to the finish to score his second win of the season by thirty yards ahead of the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's pair Della and Desire.
Brian Graham & Les McTear's Tagget made a return to the winners enclosure in the puppy trail when scoring her eighth win of the season. The Bassenthwaite youngster was up withe the pace throughout the race and although making a mistake dropping down the fell onto the finish, she recovered well and never really looked in danger of being beat. In the end she won by ten yards from Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy and the Crosby family's Temperance.
There was a popular winner in the open maiden trail when Charlotte Stobbart & Brian Graham's Gifted took the spoils in very good style. The Kendal based three year old has been nursed back to health after sustaining a serious injury last year and this win was a testament to the patience of his connections. The dog hound led for much of the first half of the trail and after crossing the road he pulled away and ran out a very comfortable winner ahead of the Loan family's Nutmeg and John Grisedale & Heidi Messenger's Roulette which in turn were well clear of the rest of the field.
The open restricted trail was unfortunately declared void after half a dozen of the runners followed the beck along to the right at the start and struck the scent again heading towards the road and as a consequence they came round under the minimum time limit of 15 minutes.
Thursday 27 May
The second fixture at Rusland within the period of three days and another senior win for Huntsman's Dazzler. The Patterdale hound pulled clear after crossing the final road and although the chasing bunch made a little bit of ground in the closing stages, the four year old earned his eighth win comfortably beating Gentle Lady by fifty yards. It was close for third place between Della and Valhalla but the first named just claimed the other principle place by a head.
Nine puppies showed on the finish in a bunch and the championship pace setter, Angel was only ninth coming along the beck edge. However, once the whistles went on the Cleator Moor bitch put her best foot forward and once again hit the front close home and took the spoils by a length or so from the Laidler & Bunting's Jackie and the Simpson's Nike. Angel has a clever racing brain and always seems to know just where the line is, this was her 13th win of the season so far.
Joe & Nessa Simpson turned out the first and second placed hounds in the open maidens in the shape of Truthful and Nemesis. Six or seven hounds held winning chnaces but the Kendal pair came to the fore and were separated by a couple of lengths. The McClean, Metcalfe & Lyon's Wattmore was a similar distance adrift in third.
Meanwhile, at Bridekirk, Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's Alliance also moved onto the eight win mark when beating Penny Swanton's My Girl in the senior trail and as a result kept pace with' Dazzler' at the top of the table.
Wednesday 26 May
Back at Crag Farm and Denis Peare & Jackie Gill's Little Langdale based three year old Cinnabar repeated Monday's senior win when beating the Keith Lynch trained Westgate Renney and the Jackson, Loan & Smith's pair Courtesy and Crystal by a distance.
The camera was needed to check the resuilt of the puppy trail and it revealed that the Palmer's Medwyn had earned her first open win of the season by a head from Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy. These two had pulled nicely clear of Monday evenings winner, Steven Irving's Da Look.
In the open maiden trail, Sean & Miles Pirie's Celtic Warrior led down the trod and in out of sight, closely followed by Harmony but when they appeared through the open gate onto the finish, the Napier's Foxparke Homeward Bound had got into contention and the two year old came through to beat 'Warrior' by three or four lengths.
Tuesday 25 May
The first fixture of the season at Whitestock Meadow and the midges aren't any friendlier than last year. How can something so small have such big teeth?!! The senior trail resulted in the seventh win of the campaign for Denise Bland & Dennis Barrow's Huntsman's Dazzler. After six minutes the ten runners were already strung out and 'Dazzler' was in pole position. The three year old extended his lead throughout the remaider of the race and won by a distance ahead of the Stobbart's Gentle Lady which in turn was well clear of the Wilson & Westmorland's Habana.
Dropping down to the last road in the puppy trail there was a bunch of seven or eight hounds in contention but as they appeared along the beck edge approaching the finish they had been reduced to just three. The favourite, Shauna Donladson's Angel hit the front as they jumped the final fence and went on to beat the Wilson, Westmorland, Stainton & Clough's Betty Boo by five yards with Alec & Jackie Steele's Poker Face close up in third.
Two hounds had pulled a long way clear in the open non winners and they were closely matched coming along the beck edge. However, Frank & Claire Waite's Sooty Tern asserted in the closing stages and eventually won by fifteen yards ahead of the reigning champion in this grade, John & James Oldcorn's Denial.
A bunch finish developed in the open restricted trail and Russell & Wendy Dawson's Beyonce produced a tremendous turn of foot to move up from seventh place on the whistles and win by a few yards. The Laidler, Bunting & Wilson's Rose was second just ahead of John & Carla Graham's Jordan's Tyke, which had led further back.
Sunday 23 May
Thank you to Barry Laidler for the following report:
Senior trail ,only five runners,but a high class Lazonby field, Extra Hot, Hot Secret, My Girl, Tarantino,Sunshine. After 15+ minutes running four of them were in contention, then they decided enough is enough and promptly sat down. Sunshine decided it was a nice day for a walk and joined the finishing end trailer. All hounds were recovered none the worse. (Not pet rescue but hound rescue!)
The Junior trail, after Jacob McClink had made a mistake at halfway, that left the way open for three well clear contenders, off these Westgate Gypsy prevailed by the proverbial mile from Endurance (living up to his name) and Toffee Deluxe.
The open maidens was won in fine style by the Clifford's Eden River from the ever popular, but exasperating finisher Rhinestone Cowboy. On to the Open Res and a welcome victory for John and Carla Graham's Jordan's Tyke from Westgate Ripple.
Now for the most interesting race of the day,(most people have gone home), missing two former Champions in Westgate Kyza,Mayfair and last seasons senior championship runner-up Westgate Ruby. Kyza finished strongly in a time comparable to the other short trails to beat an encouraging run from Mayfly. Rumour has it that this was a try out run for the forthcoming 5 year old and upwards trail at this years International.
Saturday 22 May
The annual Memorial Meeting took place at Cartmel on Saturday and the senior trail resulted in the fourth win in as many outings for Liz, Joan & Charlotte Stobbart's Gentle Lady. The in form Kendal based bitch became the latest recipient of the Richard Thompson Memorial Trophy when beating the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Della by fifty yards. The winners kennelmate, Tranquility, which is co-owned by Kath Teasdale, was a similar distance adrift in third place.
The pups struggled in the warm weather and although three of the eight runners completed the trail, they took longer than than the maximum time limit of 25 minutes. Betty Boo just beat Ooh La La! to the tape with Wreckless Wren being the only other finisher.
Yvonne & Alan Wilson's Toytown recorded her second open restricted win of the season. The Kentmere four year old showed on the finish with a good lead and and ran on well to claim the Crown Inn Crystal Bowl in very comfortable style. Beyonce which is owned by Russell & Wendy Dawson, moved up from third place on the whistles to take second place ahead of Lynn Brown & Joan Hutchinson's Tidal Bay (and for the first time ever Norman was reluctant to shout in case she lost her maiden status!).
Denise Bland & Dennis Barrow's Huntsman's Ruler earned the John Thompson Memorial Shield when strolling home well clear in the veteran trail. The Patterdale six year old was chased home by Alan & Debbie O'Brien's The Real Bandit and Alec & Jackie Steele's Seven Up.
There was also action at a new venue in the Egremont vicinity on Saturday afternoon. Wilton is the back side of Cold Fell and the trail, which affords good views of the hounds in action, runs similar ground to those held at St Helena.
In the senior trail, the Tynan & Fowler's Molly Malone followed up her win at Kirkland earlier in the week when coming home a distance clear of her rivals. The others finished very strung out and Roly & Brenda Johnstone's Jet Rose took second place ahead of the table leader, Reg Smith's Alliance.
The pups never really got on the trail properly and most of them returned to the trail via the start. However, the McCartney & Byer's Night Spirit and the Conchie, Hetherington & Cameron's Altanic stuck to their tasks and sorted it out but unfortunately they never made it under the max time limit and the event was declared void.
The open maidens ran it well and there was a good bunch of hounds in contention for much of the race. They began to get more strung out on the run in and in the end, Tony Jackson & Co's Ellie's Choice ran out the easy winner ahead of the Scott & Chadwick's Jealousy and Nicola Napier's Foxy Lady.
Sophisticated Lady took another step towards defending her veteran championship crown when taking the spoils ahead of Gillian Simpson's Lambrini. 'Lady' was reported to have established a good lead at one point but the leading group had bunched up as they headed for the finish. Sophisticated showed in front but Lambrini tried hard to get on terms in the closing stages and was eventaully beaten by only about a length.
Thursday 20 May
The seasons first fixture at Crag Farm and there was an excellent turn out of both hounds and followers. Martin Rush's Hot Fuss was the odds on favourite for the senior trail and the four year old justified the support when strolling home fifty yards clear of Alliance and Miss Molly. Five hounds had pulled along way clear of the rest.
In the puppy trail, Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion's Quiet Lass led into sight and had a good thirty yards lead coming down the trod towards the finish. However, it is always tricky first time for pups and the Seaton youngster overshot the turn and climbed back up instead of dropping in. This allowed Steven Irving's pair Pot Look and Da Look through to take first and second places ahead of Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy. Quiet Lass recovered to take fourth place.
Sean & Miles Pirie's Celtic Spirit won the hotly contested open maiden trail in very good style. The two year old was sidelined through injury for the second half of his puppy season but has been nursed back to fitness and this was a good performance. 'Spirit' had a nice advantage coming down the trod and ran on well to maintain it all the way to the line, beating the O'Brien's Not Now Jack and the Black's Tower Lass.
Wednesday 19 May
Todays action took place at Cartmel, one of the Association's oldest venues and in the senior trail, the Stobbart family's in form Gentle Lady, scored her third win within the period of eight days. The Kendal three year old was prominent throughout the race and was one of three hounds reported to have pulled clear at the mid point of the trail. As they came into view heading for the finish, she had the Wilson & Westmorland's Habana and the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Charm for company but the bitch hound ran on strongly in the closing stages and went on to win by ten yards.
In the puppy trail seven hounds had stolen a march on their rivals and as they turned for home, the two favourites, Jacob McClink and Tagget were vying for the lead. The pair came to the last road together but it was the first named that came through to triumph for the fifth time this season by a few yards ahead of the Wilson & Westmorland's pair Betty Boo and Tiagress with Tagget taking fourth.
Denise Bland & Dennis Barrow's duo Huntsman's Chance and Huntsman's Ruler had a good advantage in the open restricted when they came into sight and the former, which had always led, won by five yards. Jud Booth's One Man took third place in a close race between the other ticketing hounds.
Tuesday 18 May
Thank you to Cathy Lister for the following report:
In the old dogs at Oulton, fifteen hounds were slipped and it was Penny Swanton's Darling and the Hugo & Hope's High Challange that had pulled away from the pack going along the beck edge and they came out of the wood with a handy lead. Darling finished well to take her fifth champion win easily and as a result moved to within two points of Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's Alliance at the top of the table.
In the pups there was also a slip of fifteen hounds and Maurice Bewley's Lady Agenda had pulled clear and came out of the wood onto the finish with a good lead from Gambler and managed to maintain the lead up the hill to score her first win of the season in good style.
In the open maidens there was a good turn out of 41 hounds, Nicola & Darren McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy and Carol Smith's Bon Jovi came out of the wood with a very good lead, it was a slow race up the hill but Rhinestone held on to take the victory with George Johnsyone's Wisla and Les & Pat Black's Tower Lass close for third and fourth.
Monday 17 May
The Tynan & Fowler partner's Molly Malone scored her first senior win of the season at the second meeting at Kirkland Leaps. The four year old led into sight over the top and kept the advantage all the way to the line to beat Denis Peare & Jackie Gill's Valhalla and Lena Gibson's Gendarme by a good twenty yards.
Coming off the top in the puppy trail there were plenty of hounds with winning chances and approaching the finish a bunch of seven broke clear. Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion's Quiet Lass was in front all the way down but the table leader, Shauna Donaldson's Angel moved up from fifth place on the whistles and came through to take the honours by three or four yards ahead of Quiet Lass with the Conchie, Cameron & Hetherington's Altanic taking third.
Roly & Brenda Johnstone's Black Poppy showed in the open restricted with a good lead but dropped back and the race developed into a duel between Patrick & Jane Laidler and co's Rose and Enid & Sharon Taylor & Adam Baxter's White Diamond. It was very close between the pair and after consultation with the camera, the first named had just got the verdict by the narrowest of margins.
Saturday 15 May
The steady rain on Friday eased the ground for the hounds and there was a much better turn out at Kendal on Saturday. In the senior trail, Joan, Liz & Charlotte Stobbart's Gentle Lady earned her second win within the space of five days when beating the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Della by twenty yards. These two had pulled a very long way clear of the rest of the field and George Birkett's Langdale Smiler finished well to come through from fifth place on the whistles and take third.
There was a tremendous race in the puppy trail between the two principals. John & Val Loan's Jacob McClink showed on the finish with a fifteen yard lead over the favourite, the Hill & Nixon's Gambler. Coming down the trod, Gambler got on terms and coming out of the bottom the pair were virtually neck and neck. However, Jacob stuck in gamely on the ascent to the line and recorded his fourth win of the season by three quarters of a length. Joe & Nessa Simpson's Nike again finished well and made up alot of ground in the closing stages to take third place.
The open maiden trail was virtually a re-run of last Saturday's race. The Wilson & Westmorland's Negress again came with the lead and was passed dropping in by the Petersen & Oldcorn's Cavendish. Negress then regained the advantage close home and went on to win by a few yards with the Stobbart & Graham's Gifted again back in third.
The veteran trail rounded off the afternoon and another close race developed, this time between the Scott & Chadwick's Sophisticated Lady and the Jud Booth trained One Man. The pair had a nip and tuck battle all the way up the finish and it was the first named that eventually asserted and took the honours by half a length or so. Alan & Debbie O'Brien's The Real Bandit was a further twenty yards adrift in third place.
There was also action at Lamplugh and in the puppy trail the hounds had encountered some problems in running and eight returned to the field via the start after about ten minutes. Of those that continued, five or six hounds appeared over the skyline in a bunch and a good finish ensued. Steven Pirie's Pot Look was initially judged as the winner but consultation with the camera revealed that in fact, Martin Rush's Sawdust had got up on the line to score her fifth win of the season, her third of the week, by a margin of head and shoulders.
Seventeen of the fifty three hounds that were slipped came back in the open maiden trail. Ian & Ann Bell's Howgill Sandy could have won very easily as she showed on the finish on her own, but the Burneside bitch hesitated for a while and then veered off to the left and as the others came over the top the five year old joined back into the leading group. Meanwhile, Lena Gibson's Gendarme came with a terrific downhill burst to take the winning ticket, Howgill Sandy recovered to take second and Nicola & Darren McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy was third.
The open restricted was declared void as the majority of the runners went to the left after being slipped instead of climbing straight out and struck the finishing end of the trail.
Raymond & Glenis Farren & Georgia Naylor's Miss Molly emerged victorious in the senior trail. Crossing the road onto the fell at the half way point, four hounds had pulled clear of the rest of the field, namely Miss Molly, Hot Fuss, Alliance and Top Man but as they breached the skyline onto the finish, there were just three in with chances. Martin Rush's Hot Fuss led but the young trainer was denied another winning double as Miss Molly produced a good turn of foot to come through and score her third win of the term by a length or so.
Thursday 13 May
Thank you to Donna Hetherington for the following report:
The senior trail at Gamelsby had eleven hounds entered, Penny Swanton's Darling had been the front runner at the second last road and went on to score her fourth win nicely from Cathy Lister's That Look. The Henderson's Escala and Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion's Quiet Swallow were not too far adrift and had a good race for third and fourth.
The pup race had sixteen runners and at the second last road four pups had pulled away from the pack. On the finish, Steven Pirie's Da Look won nicely from Maurice Bewley's Lady Agenda with Shaun & Donna Hetherington's Splendid Dixie a close third. The result is subject to confirmation pending an appeal.
The open maidens had the biggest slip of the night with twenty two runners, Jackie Pattinson & Alannah Smith's Mambo was leading the pack nicely at the second last road. In the end, Mambo was a clear winner from George Johnstone's Wisla, who had an equally good lead on the O'Brien's Smallprint and the Hetherington's Dynajet 08.
Wednesday 12 May
The first of the Kirkland Leaps series took place this evening. 16 seniors took to the picturesque trail sampling some of the most stunning views of the Lake District, coming off the back fell two hounds had pulled clear namely Bluebird and Mayfair. The pair battled right up to the line with the verdict given to Victor Brownlee and Eric Cockburns Mayfair by 1/4 length, her first win of the season.The Peare/Gills Cinnabar was third.
Twenty five took to the puppy trail for the first time. Again two had broken clear from the rest of the field making another exciting finish. In the end Martin Rush's ever improving Sawdust took the victory by 10 yards from Shauna Donaldson's Angel in second and the Palmer's Medwyn in third who was closely followed by the dead heat for fourth place.
The Open Maiden trail proved a very competitive trail with a number of consistent hounds on the starting line. Dropping off the back fell two had taken a lead of a few hundred yards from their nearest rivals, the pair made a great race to the line with the verdict going to the consistent Tower Lass owned by Les & Pat Black taking the win narrowly from Mike Watson's Silent Witness, both hounds won at the venue during 2009, with Jack and Rhona Watsons Whitby Steps in third.
Tuesday 11 May
The second of the Sootbox trails resulted in a very easy first senior win of the season for Liz, Joan & Charlotte Stobbart's Gentle Lady. The locally based three year old was up with the pace throughout the race and pulled well clear in the closing stages to beat the Bland & Barrow's pair Huntsman's Dazzler and Huntsman's Charm in very good style.
In contrast the puppy trail developed into a very close race and only a head seperated the two principles at the line. Michael Hill & Lisa Nixon's Gambler stuck in well and just held on from the very fast finishing Nike which is owned by Joe & Nessa Simpson. The Loan family's Jacob McClink was only a length adrift of the leading duo and took third place. This was Gambler's eighth win of the season so far and as a result he moved to within two points of the championship pacesetter, Shauna Donaldson's Angel who won her tenth trail at Lazonby on Sunday.
Nicola & Darren McMaster's Brannigan is in fine form at present and the Dearham two year old earned his second open restricted win within the period of four days when beating the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Chance and the Stobbart & Teasdale's Tranquility by a good twenty yards. He almost broke the clock however, as the time was recorded at 15 minutes and 0.59 of a second, rounded up to 15.01!!
Monday 10 May
Martin Rush celebrated a winning double at Lamplugh with his pair Hot Fuss and Sawdust. The first named moved onto the three win mark when triumphing in the senior trail. The four year old was prominent throughout and finished well to hold off the challenge from the champiosnhip pacesetter, Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's Alliance by a couple of lengths. Saturday's victor, Miss Molly was a similar distance adrift in third place and these three had pulled a good few yards clear of Brian Rowlandson's Bluebird.
His puppy hound Sawdust, also scored her third win of the season when pulling clear on the run in to beat the McCartney's Night Spirit and the Lynch & McMaster's Endurance with ease. Birkett Lawson's veteran hound Lone Star took the spoils in the open restricted when denying Tony & Marlene Irving's Lingbeck Fire and Billy Birkett & Sam Ruddy's Top Man by five or six lengths.
Saturday 8 May
The Westmorland area staged their first fixture of the season at Kendal’s Soot box venue and in the senior trail, Lynn Pawley, Martin Burrow, Donald Hodgson & Ronnie Bell’s Della put in a good performance to score her second win of the term. The Kentmere based three year old was prominent throughout, driving for much of the trail and pulling clear on the whistles to beat the Wilson, Stainton & Westmorland partner’s Habana and the Bland & Barrow’s Huntsman’s Charm by twenty yards.
The Wilson, Stainton & Westmorland’s charges were dominant in the puppy trail. Five hounds had pulled clear but they were all very tired and the lead changed hands several times coming down the trod onto the finish. However, the Troutbeck bitch Betty Boo, which is co-owned by Caroline Clough, took the initiative and ran on to score her first win of the season by ten yards ahead of her kennel mate Tiagress and the Hill & Nixon’s Gambler.
The same kennel had more success in the open maiden trail with their former Bitch Produce winner Negress taking the spoils. The three year old had shown with the lead but was overtaken coming down the trod by the Petersen & Oldcorn partner’s Cavendish. Negress then rallied coming back up the rise to the line and eventually went on to triumph by a few yards. Charlotte Stobbart & Brian Graham’s Gifted was not too far adrift in third place.
The veteran trail developed into a duel between two Bens, aka D avid Clifford’s Eden Rusty and the Bland & Barrow’s Huntsman’s Ruler. The pair were closely matched dropping into the bottom but the first named asserted in the final stages and won quite comfortably in the end. The Scott & Chadwick’s Sophisticated Lady finished well to come through and take third place.
There was also action at Lamplugh on Saturday afternoon and the pups got away to a bit of a shaky start when most went right handed when they slipped instead of climbing straight out over the top. They then corrected themselves and got away but shortly after eight or nine of them followed the fence along the top instead of jumping it and they came down the finish. The remainder continued round the trail and Susan Glaister’s Westgate Caeser opened his account for the season when easily beating Keith Lynch & Darren McMaster’s Endurance and the Shield family’s Ryan’s Lady Anna.
The open maidens were also inclined to go right at the start but in the end a good race ensued and Malcolm & Stephen Middleton’s Deco used up his quota in this grade when putting in a storming run to come through and beat Les & Pat Black’s Tower Lass by a length with Nicola & Darren McMaster’s Rhinestone Cowboy close up in third place.
Brannigan was a good winner of the open restricted trail. The Dearham two year old has been very consistent in this grade so far this season and on this occasion came over the top onto the finish with a good advantage over the Batty, Slee & Fallows’ Ivy Crag. Although the last named made inroads in the final stages, the winner was never in danger of being caught and he stayed on to win quite comfortably with the Woodend & Allison partner’s Glenmist filling the other principle place.
Raymond & Glenis Farren & Georgia Naylor’s Miss Molly earned her second win of the campaign in the senior trail. Four hounds had pulled well clear of the rest of the field and Miss Molly produced a very good turn of foot, coming from twenty yards behind Martin Rush’s Hot Fuss on the whistles and going on to win by three or four lengths.
Many thanks to Donna Hetherington for supplying the following report on Gamelsby:
Eight hounds took part in the senior race at Gamelsby. At the half way point it was Escala, That Look and Thats a Deal leading the pack. These three set the pace for the race and came together on the finish. Escala took the winning ticket for the Hendersons, with Cathy Listers That Look second, and Stacey O'Prays Thats a Deal in third.
Twelve pups took part in the junior race and at the second last road nine pups crossed the road together. Unfortunately some cows on the finish caused the pups to scale, however two pups showed a great deal of courage and came through the herd of cows. On the finish Owen Dobson's Sky's the Limit took the winning ticket from Cracking Sunset
.
In a field of 20 in the open maiden race four hounds came on the finish together. Busy Night took the winning ticket for Alan Blacklock, with Donna and Shaun Hetherington's Dynajet 08 in second. Katie and Elizabeth O'Brien and Sarah Mackereth's Smallprint finished in third, with Alana Smiths Mambo in fourth.
Thursday 6 May
Margaret Hugo took her first senior win of the season when High Challenge, which is co-owned by her grand daughters Chantel & Courtney Hope, beat the course specialist, Les & Pat Black's Tower Lass into second with Wendy and Russell Dawson's Beyonce finishing fast to come through and take third place.
John and Brian Graham gained their treble at the venue with Tagget showing her dominance and scoring her seventh win of the season ahead of John & Val Loan's Jacob McClink and Christine Brownlee's Momentum.
Denis Barrow and Denise Bland's Huntsmans Chance took the win in the open restricted trail from two hounds which should figure strongly in Sunday's open non winners trail, Hazel Gray's Hutton Toyah which was second and Malcolm & Ann Holmes' See the Light in third.
Wednesday 5 May
Geoff and Gillian Higgins took first and second with Shiraz and Chardonnay in the senior trail at St Helena. The first named hound taking the win by 5 yards from his kennel mate who was a similar distance ahead of Ray and Glenis Farren & Georgia Naylor's Miss Molly in third.
Three had broken clear in the puppy trail crossing the last track before entering the finishing field and Shauna Donaldson's Angel had the advantage beating the Shield family's Ryans Lady Anna by six lengths with the Palmer's Medwyn a similar distance adrift in third.
Roly and Brenda Johnstone's Black Poppy gained her second win at the venue beating the Petersen/Oldcorn's Cavendish by a couple of lengths with Birkett Lawson's Lone Star in third.
Monday 3 May
The first major trails of the year were held at Lazonby Fell for the fourth consecutive year and the Greenhow family of Windermere continued their excellent record at this venue when achieving a winning double. The first leg was forthcoming in the senior trail courtesy of Extra Hot. The dog hound was prominent throughout the race, having gone through the heather at half way in third place and he finished well, coming through to beat the previous winner, Penny Swanton’s My Girl by a couple of lengths. Margaret Hugo & Chantel & Courtney Hope’s High Challenge was not too far adrift in third place.
The brace was completed when Saturday’s winner, Hot Secret followed up with another win at open restricted level. The bitch hound, a litter sister of Extra Hot, was unbeaten at Lazonby as a pup and she won the senior maiden trail on May Day last season. On this occasion, the four year old moved up from second place on the whistles to deny Nicola & Darren McMaster’s Brannigan by ten yards with the Bland & Barrow’s Huntsman’s Chance filling the other principle place.
Earlier in the afternoon, Malcolm & Ann Holmes & Margaret Baxter’s Sundown took the spoils in the senior maiden trail. It was a good race between the first four but the Ellonby two year old, the puppy maiden winner here last year, had the best turn of foot on the finish and got up to beat Les & Pat Black’s long time leader, Tower Lass by a length. The Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell’s Davina took third place ahead of John Grisedale & Heidi Messenger’s Relentless and this quartet had pulled well clear of the rest of the field.
Brian Graham & Les McTear’s Tagget raced to her sixth win of the campaign in the puppy trail and as a result narrowed the gap behind Angel in the championship table to just two points. The Bassenthwaite bitch put in another good driving display, leading throughout and pulling clear on the run in to beat the Conchie, Cameron & Hetherington’s Altanic and Sarah Mackereth’s Westgate Gypsy in comfortable style.
The puppy maiden trail developed into a duel between Keith Lynch & Darren McMaster’s Endurance and the Wilson, Westmorland & Stainton partner’s Tiagress. The pair were neck and neck entering the final field but the first named asserted nearing the tape and went on to win by a couple of lengths. The Wilson & Co’s other representative Betty Boo which is also co-owned by Caroline Clough was third and these three were a long way clear of their rivals.
Saturday 1 May
The 2009 Whitehaven Area Classic was cancelled last August because of the atrocious weather and so the meeting was rescheduled and held today at Cold Fell Gate. There was a very good turn out of both hounds and followers and in the senior trail the three table leaders all took their chance. Reg Smith & Alf McCarron’s Alliance faired best of the trio and regained a one point lead at the top of the championship when earning her seventh win of the season.
Going through the fell at the half way point, the Bland & Barrow pair Jenny’s Dream and Huntsman’s Dazzler were setting the pace but Alliance was tucked in behind in third place. When they came over the top and dropped into the finish, Alliance had taken the lead but was headed out of sight by Penny Swanton’s My Girl. The pair appeared in the final field together but Alliance asserted in the closing stages and went on to triumph by a few lengths. The Farren & Naylor’s Miss Molly finished well to take third place just ahead of Huntsman’s Dazzler with the other current title contender, Westgate Kyza back in sixth
Several hounds held winning chances in the senior maiden trail and it was the Scott & Chadwick partner’s Jealousy that emerged victorious. The Cleator Moor bitch is no stranger to the big occasion having won the maidens at both the Bitch Produce Meeting and the International last year and she added another success to her tally when finishing well to come through and beat Alan Blacklock’s Busy Night and Will & Gillian Todd’s Temptation by a couple of lengths.
Brian Graham & Les McTear’s Tagget added to her growing reputation when putting in an impressive driving display in the puppy trail. The Bassenthwaite youngster led for much of the way and still had the advantage coming over the top. The bitch hound dropped in with ten yards lead and ran on well in the closing stages to beat Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion’s Quiet Goldfinch and Alan Conchie, Nicola Cameron & Tanya Hetherington’s Altanic in good style. This was her fifth win of the term and moved her to within three points of Angel at the top of the table.
Barbara Shield’s Ryan’s Lad landed a gamble in the puppy maiden trail. The dog hound, a litter brother of Angel, looked useful in pre season trials but has been sidelined by injury and he signalled a return to form when holding a prominent position throughout and leading in the closing stages, going on to beat Neil Brown & Colin Graham’s Bingo and Christine Brownlee’s Momentum by three lengths.
There was a mammoth slip of 73 in the open restricted and it resulted in a win for Sue Greenhow & Pat Tomlinson’s Hot Secret. Coming off the fell the Windermere based hound was neck and neck with the favourite, Shauna Donaldson’s Sensation and the four year old finished well to lose her maiden status, pulling clear to triumph by ten yards. Maurice Bewley’s Duet filled the other principle place.
Thursday 29 April
Thursday’s action took place at Oulton and the favourites were beaten in both the senior and junior races. In the senior trail a good race ensued along the beck edge and coming out of the wood onto the finish, three hounds held winning chances. Penny Swanton’s Darling was third of this trio crossing the last road but produced a very good turn of foot up the hill and won nicely in the end beating Alan Blacklock’s Busy Night with the favourite, Westgate Kyza in third place.
In the puppy trail, five hounds had pulled a long way clear of the rest of the field and the favourite, the Hill & Nixon’s Gambler looked to have the race at his mercy. The Wigton youngster led in the closing stages but suffered an injury which hampered his run and he faded to take fourth place. Martin Rush’s Sawdust came through to take the spoils ahead of the Dobson & Shaw partner’s Sky’s the Limit and Alan Blacklock’s Blackbird. This was the Cleator Moor youngsters second win within a period of five days.
Paul & Joanne Airey’s Meadow Kate took the spoils in the open maiden trail when beating the O’Brien family’s pair Not Now Jack and Small Print in a very competitive race.
Monday 26 April
There was a much better turn out at St Helena and the senior trail resulted in a win for Geoff & Gillian Higgins' two year old Shiraz. However, it was their other representative, Chardonnay that had established quite a good lead with about two minutes running remaining, but next time they came into view the bitch hound was only third and Shiraz and the favourite, Alliance settled down to battle out the finish. The pair were upsides jumping into the final field but Shiraz got the upper hand on the run in and went on to score his second win of the season by three lengths.
The puppy championship pacesetter, Angel recorded her eighth win of the season, also by three or four lengths. The bitch hound was pressed all the way by the Steele & Tinnion's Quiet Lass but asserted in the final stages and as a result moved two points clear of Gambler at the top of the table.
Ian Fleet's Loch Lomond led all the way in the open restricted and although at one point it looked as if Sean & Miles Pirie's Celtic Brave was going to get on terms, the Seaton four year old held on to win by about a length with the Church's Birkby Black not too far adrift in third.
Sunday 25 April
Denise Bland & Dennis Barrow's Huntsman's Dazzler drew level with Westgate Kyza and Alliance at the top of the table when scoring his sixth senior win of the term in very easy style at Helton. The three year old appeared over the skyline with a good lead over Debbie O'Brien and partner's Not Now Jack (winner of the maidens here last week) and he in turn was well clear of the favourite, Penny Swanton's Darling and they finished in that order.
Several hounds held winning chances in the senior maiden trail but it was Jack & Rhona Watson's Whitby Steps that produced the best finish, coming strongly up the hill to beat Amy & Beth Towers' Calzaghe and Alan & Debbie O'Brien's Small Print by a few yards.
Michael Hill & Lisa Nixon's Gambler put in a very good performance in the puppy trail to move onto the six win mark and to within one point of the table leader, Shauna Donaldson's Angel. The dog hound was back in fifth place crossing the road in the bottoms and at this point was fifty yards adrift of the leader but the youngster powered up the hill to beat the Lynch & McMaster's Endurance and Alan Blacklock's Blackbird by two lengths, going away at the line. The win was quite impressive when you consider that he never ran here last Sunday because he was in action at Oulton.
Patrick & Jane Laidler & Ken Bunting's Jackie led the puppy maidens down the fell and across the road but the Windermere bitch ran a bit wide coming out of the dip and she dropped back to third place.However,she finished well up the hill and having got back to the front, just held off the challenge from the Wilson, Stainton & Westmorland's Betty Boo and Joanna Satterthwaite's Thorn Boy by half a length.
Russell & Wendy Williams' Beyonce also produced a good turn of foot to take the honours in the hotly contested open restricted trail. The Kendal bitch strolled home to beat Gary Woodend & Co's Patchy Mist and the Laidler, Bunting & Irwin's Rose in good style.
Saturday 24 April
St Helena was the sole fixture today and Martin Rush celebrated a winning double with his pair Sawdust and Hot as Hell. The first named opened its junior account for the season when getting the better of Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion's Quiet Lass by about ten yards. These two had pulled well clear of the rest of the field.
The brace was completed when the reigning senior maiden champion, Hot as Hell took the honours in the open miaden trail ahead of David Lilly's Jack Flash and Brian, Nigel & Elliot Church's Birkby Black.
Earlier in the afternoon, Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's Alliance drew level at the top of the championship with Westgate Kyza when scoring for the sixth time. The Kendal bitch held off the challenge from Geoff & Gillian Higgins' Shiraz by about a length with Wednesday's winner, the Farren & Naylor's Miss Molly back in third.
Thursday 22 April
The second fixture at Threlkeld within the space of three days and another winning double but this time for the Patterdale kennels of Denise Bland & Dennis Barrow. Huntsman's Dazzler kept pace with the championship leaders when winning easily in the senior trail. Coming through the back fell the three year old had kennel mate Huntsman's Chance for company but he pulled well clear descending to the finish and went on to record his fifth win unchallenged.
The second leg was completed when Huntsman's Ruler took the spoils in the open restricted. It was a bitter sweet victory because the six year old was a maiden! However he won in good style, leading through the back fell and maintaining his advantage to beat Margaret Baxter's Halloween and Nicola & Darren McMaster's Brannigan in comfortable style.
The puppy trail developed into a very close race. Five hounds had pulled clear of the rest and in an exciting finish, the Loan family's Jacob McClink just got the verdict ahead of the favourite, the Graham & McTear's Tagget with Tuesday's winner, Westgate Gypsy in hot pursuit. It was the Keswick hound's third win of the campaign.
The all-in was a repeat of Tuesday's open maiden trail. Dempsey led through the back fell but the Middleton's Deco took the initiative coming round the corner and pulled clear on the descent to win by a hundred yards.
Meanwhile at Oulton, Westgate Kyza recorded his sixth consecutive senior win when beating Penny Swanton's Darling and the Hugo & Hope's High Challenge. The Hill & Nixon's Gambler took his tally to five in the puppy trail and Jackie & Marion Pattinson's Mambo pipped Nicola & Darren McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy to the post in the open maidens.
Wednesday 21 April
The seasons third fixture at St Helena and the senior trail resulted in the first win of the term for Raymond & Glenis Farren & Georgia Naylor's Miss Molly. The Arlecdon based bitch came with a strong late run and just got up in the closing stages to beat the Higgins' Chardonnay, which had led from a long way out, by half a length. The Polley brother's Alles Springs ran a great race to take the third placed ticket and the favourite Alliance was back in fourth.
There was a very disappointing slip of just four pups and the table leader Angel earned her third win at the venue within the space of five days, her seventh overall, when just getting the better of the Steele & Tinnion's Quiet Lass by a few yards with the Towers' Delahoya a similar distance adrift in third.
In the open maidens, Amy & Beth Tower's second year veteran Calzaghe showed his younger rivals the way home when beating Ian Fleet's Red Pike and Terence McVeigh's Divot by three lengths. Billy Birkett's One Man triumphed over the Donladson's Sensation in the all-in and these two had pulled well clear of their two rivals.
Tuesday 20 April
Susan Glaister recorded her second winning double of the campaign at Setmabanning, Threlkeld. Westgate Kyza strolled to his fifth senior win in very easy style, coming home well clear of the Huntsman's pair Dazzler and Chance and as a result he drew level again with Alliance at the top of the table.
Then in the pups, Westgate Gypsy, which is co-owned by Susan's daughter Sarah, also won quite comfortably, hitting the front coming down the fell and running on well to beat the Graham & McTear's Tagget and the Crosby's Fortitude by thirty yards.
Malcolm & Steven Middleton's Deco showed with the lead coming round the corner in the open maidens and pulled clear in the closing stages, eventually going on to beat the Pawley, Burrow & Hodgson's Dempsey by forty yards with their other representative Davina a similar distance adrift in third.
The all-in resulted in the same 1-2 as the open restricted at Grange on Saturday with Yvonne & Alan Wilson's Toytown beating the McMaster's Brannigan.
Monday 19 April
Back at St Helena on Monday night, Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's Alliance regained a one point advantage at the top of the championship when earning her fifth senior win of the term. Geoff & Gillian Higgins' Chardonnay had established a hundred yard lead at one point but Alliance got back on terms and went on to triumph quite easily in the end with the Higgins' other representative third.
Shauna Donaldson's Angel flew round the puppy trail and beat the McCartney's Night Spirit and the Steele & Tinnion's Quiet Lass by a margin of almost 29 seconds to move onto the six win mark. The Cleator Moor bitch is in fine fettle at present and as a result of this latest win opened up a two point cushion at the head of a table.
Two hounds had drawn clear in the puppy maidens and it was Martin Rush's Sawdust that took the honours ahead of Alan Conchie, Nicola Cameron & Tanya Hetherington's Altanic. A similar situation developed in the all-in with the Steele & Tinnion's Quiet Swallow beating Sensation.
Sunday 18 April
Susan Glaister's Westgate Kyza joined Alliance and Huntsman's Dazzler at the top of the senior championship table when scoring his fourth win at Oulton on Sunday morning. The former champion came through the wood onto the finish with a good lead and easily beat the Hugo & Hope's High Challenge and the Henderson's Infinity.
In the puppy trail, the favourite Gambler led coming up the finish but was overtaken in the closing stages by Steven Pirie's Da Look. The Cleator Moor dog hound, litter brother to table leader Angel, was winning for the second time this term. Susan Glaister's Westgate Caeser was third and this trio had pulled clear of the rest of the field.
Maurice Bewley turned out the first and third placed hounds in the open restricted. Duet and Zenda were split at the line by Cathy Lister's That Look.
Afternoon action took place at Helton and Penny Swanton's Darling opened her account in the senior trail when producing agood turn of foot up the hill to move up from second place and beat Huntsmans' Dazzler by ffifty yards. Wendy & Russell Dawson's Beyonce also finished well to take third place ahead of the Grisedale & Messenger's Relentless.
Alan & Debbie O'Brien's Not Now Jack led coming off the fell onto the finish and never looked in danger of being caught in the senior maiden trail. The Welton dog beat the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Davina by ten yards and these two pulled right away in the closing stages.
The puppy trail developed into a very close race with the three principles crossing the line almost in unison. However, consultation with the camera revealed that William Patterson's Paddy's Return had just got the verdict ahead of Alan Blacklock's Blackbird and the Lynch & McMaster's Endurance.
Glen River was the popular winner of the open non winners trail. The three year old is owned by Dot Walker and is trained at Kendal by Michael & Dorothy Wilding and he led from pillar to post and won by twenty yards ahead of John & James Oldcorn's Denial.
The Yvonne Wilson trained Bonny Lass, a former Bitch Produce winner at this venue, won the all-in narrowly beating Margaret Baxter's Halloween and the Greenhow's Extra Hot.
Saturday 17 April
At St Helena's morning fixture, one of the sport's youngest trainers, Martin Rush recorded a winning double. His senior representative Hot Fuss earned her second win of the season when beating one of the championship leaders, Alliance by about a length. Alliance had led onto the finish but Hot Fuss produced a good late run to come through and take the spoils in the dying strides of the race. Then his three year old Hot as Hell won the all-in trail beating the Donaldson's Sensation and the Steele & Tinnion's Quiet Swallow.
Shauna Donaldson's Angel moved seamlessly onto the five win mark and established a one point lead at the top of the table when beating Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion's pair Quiet Lass and Quiet Goldfinch by thirty yards in the puppy trail. The Towers' Delahoya was fourth and this quartet had drawn away from their rivals.
The Napier's Foxparke Lady Amanda emerged victorious in a good open non winners race. The two year old just got the verdict ahead of Nigel & Elliot Church's Birkby Black and Terence McVeigh's Divot.
Early evening action took place at Grange-in-Borrowdale and it proved to be a successful night for Kentmere based hounds as they won three of the four races. Lynn Pawley, Martin Burrow, Donald Hodgson & Ronnie Bell's Della registered her first senior win when hitting the front approaching the final road and doing enough in the closing stages to hold off the challenge from the Stobbart & Teasdale's Tranquility by about ten yards. Denis Peare & Jackie Gill's Valhalla had been in front but ran off and the two year old eventually recovered to take third place.
The kennel also triumphed in the all-in when their 2009 Bitch Produce victor Desire won comfortably ahead of Christine Brownlee's Momento and Graham & Julie Burkinshaw's Boreas.
The Kentmere bandwagon continued when Yvonne Wilson turned out the winner of the open restricted trail in the shape of Toytown, much to the delight of her great niece, Alice Pimbley. The four year old won in emphatic style, leading from pillar to post and establishing a good lead right from the outset which she maintained throughout and in the end beat Nicola & Darren McMaster's Brannigan and Malcolm & Stephen Middleton's Party Popper by a distance.
Brian Graham & Les McTear's Tagget was another easy winner in the puppy trail. The youngster kept the pressure on Angel when scoring her fourth win of the season in eyecatching style. The Loan family's Jacob McClink and Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy filled the other principle places.
Thursday 15 April
The fifth and final fixture was held at Kirkbride and Westgate Kyza kept the pressure on championship leaders, Alliance and Huntsman's Dazzler when scoring his third senior win of the term. However, the five year old was pushed hard by Margaret Hugo & co's High Challenge and the winning margin was only a head.
Gambler also continued in winning ways and moved onto the four win mark alongside Angel when again beating Paddy's Return and Lady Agenda easily in the pups. There was a close finish to the open maiden trail with George Johnstone's Wisla beating Gary Woodend and partner's Patchy Mist and Nicola & Darren McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy.
Wednesday 14 April
The final in the Bower House series took place on a sunny evening. The senior trail attracting seven to the starting line Huntsmans Dazzler being firm favourite who went on to supply the goods for a fourth time at the venue beating Farren and Naylors Miss Molly by a good 40 yards with Alles Springs in third. The puppy trail saw Donaldsons Angel return to winning form after a injury put her out for the week beating Crosbys Temperance comfortably in second and Sawdust in third. Open Restricted was an open contest with Ian Fleets Lock Lomand taking the win by a few yards from Carla and John Grahams Jordans Tyke with Mitedale Gem in third. Eleven hounds took the all in trail with Donaldsons Sensation taking the win narrowly from Laura Steeles Quiet Swallow with Cavendish a couple of lengths behind in third.
Tuesday 13 April
The Keswick area hosted their first fixture of the season at Grange-in-Borrowdale and in the senior trail, Jenny Bland's Jenny's Dream earned his first senior success in very comfortable style. The two year old was prominent throughout and had established a nice advantage going under the skyline and heading for home. As they came off the far end and onto the fell approaching the finish, his lead had increased and although the Stobbart & Teasdale's Tranquility closed the deficit in the final stages, Jenny's Dream still had plenty in hand at the line. Tranquility was clear in second place and the Keith Lynch trained Westgate Renney finished well to overtake Huntsman's Charm in the last field and take third place.
The pups resulted in the third win of the season for the Graham & McTear's Tagget and as a result she drew level with Angel and Gambler at the top of the championship table. The Bassethwaite bitch was always up with the pace and drove for much of the race. The youngster led coming through the fell approaching the finish and ran on strongly to beat Susan Glaister & Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy and the Wilson & Westmorland's Tiagress in impressive style.
The Scott family's reigning veteran champion Sophisticated Lady came round the far end with a very big lead in the open maiden trail but the chasing bunch ate into the lead coming through the fell and as they entered the last field, any one of five hounds had winning chances. However, Michael Watson's Snowdrop produced the best finish and got up to beat Sophisticated Lady by a couple of lengths with the McClean, Lyon & Metcalfe's Wattmore close up in third.
The Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Della was the winner of the all-in trail. THe Kentmere bitch was always up with the leaders and drove for much of the way approaching the finish.The three year old came into the final field in third place and finished well to narrowly beat Malcolm & Ann Holmes' Sunshine with Christine Brownlee's Momento back in third.
Monday 12 April
Martin Rush's Hot Fuss registered her first senior win of the term at the second of the two fixtures at Baybarrow. The four year old bitch led from a long way out and held a twenty yard advantage over the Higgins' Shiraz and Brian Rowlandson's Bluebird all the way to the line.
Last weeks winner of the pups, Steven Pirie's Da Look was leading the puppy trail but veered off to the water in the closing stages, allowing the McCartney & Byers partner's Night Spirit through to take the spoils. The dog hound was strong up the hill and finished well to beat litter sister, the consistent Ryans Lady Anna by two or three lengths. Da Look recovered to take the fifth placed ticket.
Ken Routledge's veteran Dignity was the popular winner of the open restricted trail. The locally based six year old was a very useful pup but her senior career has been plagued by injury and at one point last year it looked unlikely that she would ever run again. This was a particularly sweet victory and following a nip and tuck battle with Spud Murphy's Warlord, Dignity asserted in the final strides and went on to win by three lengths. These two had pulled well clear of the rest of the field.
Sunday 11 April
Susan Glaister recorded the first winning double of the 2010 season with her charges Westgate Kyza and Westgate Caeser at Kirkbride. 'Kyza' took his winning tally to two when beating Show Girl by ten yards in another good senior race. The Henderson's Escala was not too far adrift in third place.
Then her dog pup 'Caeser' raced to victory in the open non winners event when beating Alan Blacklock's Blackbird and Malcolm Holmes' See the Light.
The Hill & Nixon's Gambler joined Angel at the top of the puppy championship table when scoring his third win of the campaign in very comfortable style. The Wigton youngster was again chased home by Paddy's Return and Lady Agenda.
Saturday 10 April
The final meeting in the early Askam series was held in glorious weather conditions and Alliance again won the senior trail to move onto the four win mark. The four year old moved one point clear at the top of the championship table when showing with the lead and running on well to triumph by a few yards despite the best efforts of Penny Swanton's Darling to get on terms in the closing stages. Darling had come through from third place to pass the Saunders, Appleby & Pounders Dizzee Rascal which also put in a good performance to fill the other principle place.
The senior maiden trail developed into a duel between Jayne & Mark Petersen, Micheal, Kay & Shauna Oldcorn's Cavendish and Nicola & Darren McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy. The pair were neck and neck coming down the three corned field but it was the first named that asserted in the final stages, drawing clear to triumph by fifteen yards. John & James Oldcorn's Domino was not too far adrift in third.
John & Val Loan's Jacob McClink recorded his second success of the season when winning the puppy trail. The Keswick youngster came off the top with the lead and maintained the advantage all the way to the line, pulling away in good style to beat Anne Reay's Ruler, which put on a spurt just before the tape and Justin Towers' Delahoya by twenty yards.
In the open restricted trail, David & Gary Greenhow's Extra Hot was the winning favourite. The Windermere dog hound just held off the challenge from Enid & Sharon Taylor & Adam Baxter's White Diamond by three quarters of a length with the Yvonne Wilson trained pair Toytown and Bonny Lass taking third and fourth. This quartet had pulled well clear of the rest of the field.
The veteran trail produced an exciting race between Penny Swanton's Some Girl and Amy & Beth Towers' Calzaghe. The latter showed with a few yards lead but Some Girl was in hot pursuit and took the initiative approaching the final road crossing.The Kendal based bitch ran on well and took the honours by a length with Gillian Simpson's fast finishing Lambrini back in third.
At the evening meeting at Bower House, Denise Bland & Denis Barrow's Huntsman's Dazzler was again the very easy winner of the senior trail. The Patterdale dog took his tally to three when beating Geoff & Gillian Higgins' Chardonnay and the Farren & Naylor's Miss Molly.
There was a close race in the pups and Brian Graham & Les McTear's Tagget scored her second win of the term when just getting the better of Edward, Lisa, Jonathan & Warren Crosby's Temperance and Martin Rush's Sawdust.
Two hounds had pulled clear in the open non winners and in the end, the Porter & Lynch's two year old MJH ran out the winner, a couple of lengths ahead of the reigning champion in this grade, John & James Oldcorn's Denial.
The Polley brother's Alles Springs emerged victorious in the open restricted. The three year old is trained at Arlecdon by a new member, Stewart Jeynes. The bitch hound beat Malcolm & Stephen Middleton's Party Popper and John & Carla Graham's Jordan's Tyke.
Thursday 8 April
Susan's Glaister's Westgate Kyza opened his senior account for the season at Kirkbride with a good win over old adversary, Show Girl and the Henderson's improving two year old Escala. The five year old had held a prominent position throughout the race and again came off the moss with the lead but on this occasion had enough in hand to beat the reigning champion by a few yards.
In the puppy trail, the same hounds were dominant and Michael Hill & Lisa Nixon's Wigton youngster Gambler repeated his win of the weekend when beating William Patterson's Paddy's Return and Ricky Deacon & Paul Nicholson's Jackie Boy. Maurice Bewley's Lady Agenda was fourth and this quartet had pulled clear of the rest of the field.
Wednesday 7 April
Alliance maintained her winning run at Askam when scoring for the third time in as many outings in the senior trail. The Kendal bitch moved into pole position in the championship table when coming with the lead and running on well to beat the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Charm and Russell & Wendy Dawson's Beyonce in comfortable style.
Ian Donaldson's Angel also moved on to the three win mark in the puppy trail. The bitch hound was only in third place and had a bit to do coming down the three cornered field to the last road but she finished well and got on terms and eventually went on to win by ten yards from Wendy Dawson & Penny Swanton's Ooh La La! and Alec & Jackie Steele's Poker Face.
Four hounds had pulled clear in the all-in trail and it was Enid & Sharon Taylor & Adam Baxter's White Diamond that came through to earn the victory ahead of Charlotte Stobbart & Brian Graham's Gifted and Ian Donaldson's Sensation.
There was also action at Egremont and the Higgins' Shiraz took the spoils in the senior trail. The two year old led onto the finish and ran on well to beat Terence McVeigh's No Chance and the Fearon, Rowlandson & Jackson's Bluebird by six lengths.
The nine pups were closely matched all the way round but some of them ran wide approaching the finish and Steven Irving's Da Look hit the front. The dog hound came well up the hill to beat the consistent Ryans Lady Anna and his own kennel mate Pot Look by a few yards.
There was a nip and tuck battle in the open maidens between Jack & Rhona Watson's Whitby Steps and the Towers' Calzaghe. The lead changed hands several times in the closing stages but it was the first named that got the verdict by about half a length.
Monday 5 April
On Easter Monday, the only preview fixture before May Day at Lazonby Fell took place and in the senior trail, the 21 runners came very strung out off the first half. At the business end of proceedings, the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Charm showed with the lead but the Swanton, Clement, Dawson & Todhunter's in form three year old My Girl finished strongly to get on terms close home and the bitch hound went on to earn her first senior victory by a few yards. Les & Pat Black's Tower Lass ran another good race to take third place and will be well fancied in the senior maiden event on the big day.
In contrast in the puppy trail any one of eight hounds were in with winning chances as they showed in a bunch on the finish. It was very close for all the places but Brian Graham & Les McTear's Tagget came with a late rattle and just got up on the line to beat Keith Lynch & Darren McMaster's Endurance by less than half a length with the Jackson, Loan & Smith's Colleen close up in third.
The open non winners was dominated by two year old hounds and having showed with a twenty yard lead, Jeanette Irving's The Legal Beagle just held off the challenge from Hazel Gray's Hutton Toyah by a couple of lengths. These two were fifty yards clear of Malcolm Holmes' See the Light which was formerly known as Saltire.
In the open restricted, two hounds came into view through the heather at the half way point with a very good lead and they maintained it to the finish. Danny McCluskey & Sheila Metcalfe's Toffee Supreme eventually beating Nicola & Darren McMaster's Rhinestone Cowboy by two or three lengths.
At the evening fixture at Bower House, the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Dazzler joined Alliance on the two win mark when again scoring by a distance. The Patterdale dog hound was chased home by the Farren & Naylor's Miss Molly and Geoff & Gillian Higgins' Chardonnay.
The Donaldson's Angel moved to the top of the puppy championship table when winning the junior trail. The youngster dropped into the finish in third position and finished well to beat litter sister, Barbara Shield's Ryan's Lady Anna by half a length. Martin Rush's Sawdust was third.
Sean & Miles Pirie turned out the winner of the open maiden trail in the shape of Celtic Warrior. The dog hound beat Ian Fleet's Red Pike and the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Ruler in a good race.
The Donaldson's completed a winning double when Sensation took the spoils in the all-in trail ahead of Jenny Bland's Jenny's Dream.
Sunday 4 April
The reigning senior champion, Penny Swanton's Show Girl took the first step in retaining her crown when scoring at the second fixture of the season at Kirkbride. The four year old was up with the pace throughout and after tracking Susan Glaister's Westgate Kyza onto the finish, produced a quick turn of foot and came through to win in good style. Thursday's winner Levi was back in third place and these three had pulled clear of their rivals.
In the puppy trail, Michael Hill's Gambler atoned for Thursday's stumble at the last fence and ran out a very comfortable winner ahead of litter brother, Jackie Boy and the Crosby family's Warden.
Margaret Hugo's High Patrol emerged victorious in the open maiden trail when beating David Clifford's Eden Reward and Gary Woodend & Co's Patchy Mist in a good race for all the tickets.
Saturday 3 April
Alliance was the odds on favourite to repeat Thursday's senior victory at Askam and the bitch hound again duly obliged, on this occasion by a margin of ten yards. My Girl put in another good performance to again take second place and these two had pulled a long way clear of the McClean, Lyon & Metcalfe's Claymore.
Les & Pat Black's Tower Lass was another winning favourite in the maiden trail. It was a well deserved victory as the Storth three year old led for much of the race and pulled clear in the closing stages to comfortably beat the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Davina and the McClean, Lyon & Metcalfe's Wattmore which had a good race for the other principle places.
The pre season favourite for the puppy championship title, the Donaldson's Angel, earned her first win of the term in the junior trail. The youngster was prominent throughout the race and finished well to beat the Dobson & Shaw's Sky's the Limit by five yards with Wendy Dawson & Penny Swanton's Ooh La La! close up in third.
The reigning champion, the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Della took the spoils in the open restricted trail. The three year old took the initiative coming into the three corned field and went on to beat Yvonne & Alan Wilson's Toytown and the Stobbart & Teasdale's Tranquility in good style.
The final trail of the afternoon was for the veterans and Billy Birkett's One Man, which is trained by Jud Booth came with a late rattle to beat Beth & Amy Towers' Calzaghe and Penny Swanton's Some Girl by a few lengths.
At Bower House in the evening the Bland & Barrow partner's Huntsman's Dazzler won the senior trail by a distance. The Patterdale three year old came off the first half with a good lead and went on to increase his advantage, strolling home well clear of Raymond & Glenis Farren & Georgia Naylor's Miss Molly and his kennel mate Huntsman's Chance.
There was another easy winner in the puppy trail in which many of the runners struggled and returned to the field via the start However, Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion's Quiet Goldfinch stuck to her task gamely and won by the length of the finish, beating Brian Rowlandson's True Blue and the Steele & Tinnion's other charge Quiet Lass.
In contrast, the open maiden trail couldn't have been a closer race and after consultation with the camera a dead heat was declared between Spud Murphy's Newtown Ghost and Will & Gillian Todd's Temptation. Laura Steele's Quiet Swift was close up in third place.
Thursday 1 April
Opening day action took place at Askam and Kirkbride and at the first named venue, Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's Alliance justified favouritism in the senior trail when earning the win in good style. The Kendal four year old had Penny Swanton's My Girl for company coming down the three corned field to the last road but pulled away in the closing stages and went on to triumph by fifty yards. This pair had drawn clear of Russell & Wendy Dawson's Beyonce.
In the puppy trail, three hounds had stolen a march on the rest of the field and John & Val Loan's Keswick youngster Jacob McClink produced a quick turn of foot on the finish to register his first win of the campaign. The dog hound has performed well in recent trials and was chased home by the Wilson & Westmorland's Tiagress and the Donaldson's Angel.
David & Gary Greenhow's Extra Hot emerged victorious in the all-in when beating Geoff & Gillian Higgins' Shiraz and the Donaldson's Sensation.
At Kirkbride, David Hogg's Levi beat two former champions in the senior trail. Four hounds were a long way clear at the finish and the three year old came off the moss onto the finish with a ten yard lead over Susan Glaister & Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Kyza and maintained the advantage all the way to the line. Penny Swanton's Show Girl was a further ten yards adrift in third place with John Grisedale & Heidi Messenger's Relentless completing the quartet.
Three hounds held winning chances in the puppy trail and it was Ricky Deacon & Paul Nicholson's Jackie Boy that got the verdict by half a length over William Patterson's Paddy's Return. Micheal Hill's Gambler took third place after making a mistake at the final fence. This trio had pulled away from their rivals.
Danny McCluskey & Sheila Metcalfe's Toffee Supreme took the spoils in the all in when beating Malcolm & Ann Holmes' Sunshine and Shaun & Donna Hetherington's Dynajet 08.
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February
At Buttermere on Saturday afternoon, they went over the top and down the finish used for the proper trails. Seven puppies took their chance and it was Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's non Produce bitch Alana (River Tyne - Hot Response) that emerged victorious.
The Kendal based youngster showed on the skyline in second place and handled the descent well to come home a distance clear of the rest. Brian Rowlandson's True Blue (Dairy One - Clarity) and Patrick & Jane Laidler & Ken Bunting's Jackie (Agenda - Howe Bess) had a good race for second and third and these two in turn were well clear of Mick Moorhead's Little Boots (Dairy One - Clarity). The winner clocked a time of 15.09.
The senior trail produced a tremendous race and it was very close at the finish. John Grisedale & Heidi Messenger's Matador came off the top with the lead but the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Desire dropped from fourth place to draw level approaching the road. The pair had pulled clear and were neck and neck in the final field but Matador just held on to take the win. The same kennels battled out third and fourth with Roulette just pipping Della. Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion's Quiet Swift was fifth and Nicola & Darren McMaster's Brannigan sixth. There were 17 runners and the time was 12.51.
At Coniston Tops on Sunday,Les Tyson's Lady Louise (Dairy One - Regularity) won the five strong puppy trail. Denise & Ben Bland & Dennis Barrow's Huntsman's Future (Shane - Alpha Lady) led for much of the trail but as they turned the corner onto the finish,Lady Louise had taken the initiative and the Ulverston based youngster did enough in the closing stages to triumph by a few yards.These two had drawn well clear of the Bingham & Owen's Sierra Sue (Shane - Alpha Lady) and the time was 9.35.
The senior trail was dominated by two kennels namely the Bland & Barrow and the Petersen & Oldcorn. Jenny's Bland narrowly beat Huntsman's Charm with Cavendish and Huntsman's Dazzler close up in third and fourth. This quartet had pulled away from their rivals and Cannavaro took fifth ahead of Jeff Rowand's Bowderdale Billy. There were 14 runners and the time was 8.51.
There was also action at Oulton on Sunday and there was a good slip of 24 puppies. A group of about ten hounds had pulled clear at the finish and it was very close for the first three placings. Ricky Deacon & Paul Nicholson's Jackie Boy(Dairy Knight - Nikki) was first to the bait tins narrowly ahead of Alan Blacklock's Blackbird (Mambo - Busy Night) with Micheal Hill's Gambler (Dairy Knight -Nikki) also up with the pace. Ian & Barbara Telford's pair Tune and Puzzle took first and third places in the 38 strong senior trail.
The Border season begins on Wednesday and the two former champions put in good performances in their final preparation run. They were split at the line by Margaret Hugo & Chantel & Courtney's Hope's High Challenge. The full puppy trail at St Helena was contested for the first time on Sunday morning and the Donaldson's Angel was again the winner, coming home a couple of minutes clear of her nearest rivals.In the senior trail, the McGee's Line Dancer beat Roy & Avril Brockbank's Random Star and Laura Steele's Quiet Lane.
Monday 1st March to Sunday 7th March:
The official March trials kicked off at Boonwood last Monday and it was decided to run the hounds the opposite way round after all the pups bar one came back to the start shortly after being slipped. A good race then ensued and it was Steven Irving's Pot Look (Fleetwood Mac - Lady Ryans) that handled the finish best, gaining an advantage in the closing stages and running on well to beat Reg Bell's Enoch (Dairy Knight - Nikki) by a few yards with the Shaw & Dobson's Sky Dancer (Fleetwood Mac - Lady Ryans) in third.
Three hounds had pulled clear in the senior trail and Bill Benson's seven year old Lofty showed his younger counterparts the way home, when just holding off the challenge from Roly & Brenda Johnstone's Black Poppy and Birkett Lawson's Linsdale.
Tuesday's fixture at Moota was the first of four which are being held to raise money for The Cockermouth & Workington area 'Cash for Points' competition. When the pups showed on the finish, several held winning chances and Alan Blacklock's Blackbird finished well initially and gained a few lengths but hesitated when nearing the tape and catchers, allowing Ricky Deacon & Paul Nicholson's Jackie Boy through to take the spoils. Blackbird recovered to take second place ahead of William Patterson's Paddy's Return.
Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's Alliance won the senior trail after coming off the first half with a good lead. The Kendal four year old appeared on the finish with the advantage and ran on strongly to beat Jack & Rhona Watson's Whitby Steps and Amy & Beth Towers' Calzaghe by ten yards.
Lynn Pawley and Martin Burrow turned out the first and third placed hounds in the shorter trail. Dempsey strolled home well clear beating Maurice Bewley's Duet and their other charge Davina.
Back at Boonwood on Wednesday, the pups flew round knocking four minutes off Monday's time. On this occasion, Reg Bell's Enoch had a couple of yards to spare at the line over the Dobson & Shaw's Sky's the Limit and these two had pulled away from the Crosby's Temperance.
Malcolm & Steven Middleton's Party Popper was the easy winner of the senior trail. The Cleator Moor four year old was chased home by the Tynan & Fowler's Molly Malone and Roly & Brenda Johnstone's Black Poppy.
The second Moota meeting was held on Thursday and Joseph Abram & Nicola & Darren McMaster's Dollar finished well to take the honours in the puppy trail. The Dearham youngster moved up from second place on the whistles to beat Michael Hill's Gambler and Alan Blacklock's Blackbird by a few lengths.
Jack & Rhona Watson's Whitby Steps emerged victorious in the senior trail when leading home the Towers' second year veteran Calzaghe and Ian Fleet's Red Pike. The Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Davina got her nose in front in the short trail when beating Maurice Bewley's trio Lady Agenda, Duet and Zenda.
On Saturday at LowPlace, there was a very close finish in the puppy trail. The Wilson & Stainton's Tiagress had gained a good lead in the bottoms approaching the finish and still held a notable advantage coming through the final gate but the chasing bunch made up the deficit in the closing stages and it was the Crosby family's Temperance that came through to take the spoils. The Whitehaven based home bred bitch beat litter sister, Ken Routledge's Vigilant by half a length with the Laidler & Bunting's Jackie close up in third. Tiagress eventually took the fourth placed ticket.
In the senior trail there was a large slip of 45 and Geoff & Gillian HIggins' pair Chardonnay and Shiraz were first and third respectively. The two year olds were split at the line by the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Della.
The third of the Moota series took place on Saturday with Wicked taking the spoils from Hunters Boy and Gambler in third, the trail had developed into a good race with both being prominent throughout. The Senior trail saw Levi beat White Diamond and Kelly Mac, a group of around 12 coming onto the finish with any one with chances of taking the spoils. The all in saw the late Jimmy Glaisters Westgate Renney taking the trail in a close run race unfortunately second place was unclaimed.
It was a beautiful afternoon at Coniston Tops on Sunday and although there were only five pups they ran it well and a good race developed between the leading pair. The Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Future did most of the work but was always tracked closely by the Donaldson's Angel and it was the last named that gained the upper hand going on to triumph by about a dog length. Les Tyson's Lady Louise was not too far adrift in third place.
The Bland & Barrow kennels again dominated the senior trail with Huntsman's Charm beating Jenny's Dream by just half a length with Huntsman's Chance in hot pursuit. These three had pulled well clear of the rest of the field.
There was also action at Plumpton on Sunday afternoon and in the puppy trail, there were seven hounds with winning chances as this bunch had pulled away from their rivals. It was very close between the first four, with only a few yards seperating them at the line but it was Alec & Jackie Steele's Poker Face that got the verdict ahead of Wendy Dawson & Penny Swanton's Ooh La La!, John Loan's Jacob McClink and the Graham & McTear's Tagget.
The Dawson's went one better in the senior trail when their three year old Beyonce beat Malcolm & Anne Holmes' Sundown and the McClean, Lyon & Metcalfe's Claymore by a few lengths. In the all-in the Holmes' other charge Sunshine emerged victorious. The Ellonby bitch beat the Hugo & Hope's High Challenge and the McCluskey & Metcalfe's Toffee Supreme.
Monday 8th March to Sunday 14th March:
On Monday at Lamplugh, Joseph Abram & Nicola & Darren McMaster's Dollar was the easy winner of the puppy trail. The Dearham dog pup showed on the finish with a good advantage and finished well, pulling away to beat Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy and Ann Reay's Ruler by forty yards. These three had drawn clear of the rest.
John Grisedale & Heidi Messenger turned out the first, second and fourth placed hounds in the senior trail. Relentless and Matador had a good race before the first named asserted to take the spoils by a couple of lengths and Reg Smith's Alliance was third just ahead of Roulette.
We were back at Lamplugh on Wednesday the 10th and Dollar repeated Monday's junior win but on this occasion had to work hard in the closing stages. The youngster appeared on the finish in fourth place and produced a good turn of foot to come through and win by a few yards from the Crosby's Temperance and Sarah Mackereth's Westgate Gypsy. Reg Smith's Alana had held a prominent position but ran wide on the run in and only finished fourth.
Reg had better luck in the senior trail with Alliance, last seasons joint senior championship runner up, which narrowly beat the Grisedale & Messenger's trio Relentless, Roulette and Matador.
On Saturday at Low Place, Ian Donladson's Angel continued to impress when winning the puppy trail in a very good time. The bitch hound looks sure to begin the season as favourite for the junior championship title on the strength of her winter form. Having dropped in off the back fell onto the finish in third place, Angel put in a determined late run, coming through to beat the Crosby family's highly consistent Temperance by a couple of lengths. The Dobson's Sky's the Limit took third place and these three had pulled clear of their rivals.This was a particularly good performance from Angel on her debut appearance at the venue.
The senior trail produced a very close race between all of the ticketing hounds but it was Malcolm & Stephen Middleton's Party Popper that came to the fore and theCleator Moor dog hound repeated his win of last March at the same fixture. Roly & Brenda Johnstone's Black Poppy and Geoff & Gillian Higgins' Chradonnay filled the other principle places.
The final Moota meet saw 16 puppies take to the trail, a number of puppies could have taken the win but in the end it was Bill Mellons Cracking Sunset who took the spoils as the leaders slowed just before the line. Alll credit to the winner for finishing strong with Keith Lynch and Darren McMaster's Endurance in second and Joanna Satterthwaite's Thornboy in third.
The senior trail saw Jack & Rhona Watson's kennel mates Whitby Steps and Westend Bond taking the first two places. The pair had pulled clear of the rest of the field with Denis Reay's Hunters Lane in third. The short trail saw Ike and Sheila Walker's Highwayman narrowly taking the win from the Bingham, Petersen and Oldcorns Wreckless Wren in second and Maurice Bewley's Zenda in third.
Plumpton was well supported on Sunday and in the puppy trail a bunch of eight hounds had pulled clear of the rest.Three members of the Hill Breeze -Seven Up litter claimed the principle places with the Loan family's Jacob McClink beating Alec & Jackie Steele's pair Colourful and Poker Face by a couple of lengths.
The same three hounds as last week took the first three places in the senior trail but in a different order. Malcolm & Ann Holmes' Sundown won by a few yards ahead of the McClean, Lyon & Metcalfe's Claymore and Russell & Wendy Dawson's Beyonce. The Holmes' completed a winning double when Sunshine came out top in a very close finish to the All-in trail.
Monday 15th March to Sunday 28th March
On Monday at Lamplugh, four hounds broke the skyline almost abreast in the puppy trail and it was the Dobson & Shaw's Sky's the Limit that produced the best turn of foot on the finish, hitting the front in the closing stages and going on to beat Steven Pirie's Da Look and Justin Towers' Delahoya by a couple of lengths.
Reg Smith & Alf McCarron's Alliance repeated last Wednesday's senior win when coming through on the whistles to beat John Grisedale & Heidi Messenger's pair Relentless and Roulette.
Forty eight hours later at the penultimate Lamplugh fixture, Reg Smith's Alana was victorious in the puppy trail. The Donaldson's Angel had showed in front but both Alana and the Abram & McMaster's Dollar both finished fast, coming through to take the principle places. Having hit the front, Alana went on to by a couple of lengths.
In the senior trail, the winner of the two previous meetings, Alliancefinished in third place. On this occasion, Relentless took the honours when beating Nicola & Darren McMaster's Brannigan by a few yards.
The final trail of the Lamplugh series took place on Saturday, which produced a grand finale with two previous winners, namely the Dobson/Shaw Sky's the Limit and Abram/McMasters Dollar dead heating on the line with the Conchie, Cameron & Hetherington's Altanic and Reg Bell's Enoch in third and fourth, four had broke clear of the field coming down the hill all with a great chance of taking the win.
The senior trail saw the Grizedale/Messenger kennel continuing their good form at the venue taking first and third with Matador narrowly winning from Abram/McMaster's Brannigan with Roulette in third and Sensation in fourth.
On Sunday at Coniston there was a small slip of only four puppies but three of them made a great race of it with each of them having a turn at driving throughout the trail. As they turned for the finish, the Jackson, Loan & Smith's Colleen took the initiative and the Rosthwaite bitch hound maintained the advantage and finished well to beat litter sister and kennelmate Connie by a few yards. Les Tyson's Lady Louise was a similar distance adrift in third.
The senior trail resulted in a 1-2-3-4 for the Bland & Barrow partners. Huntsman's Charm narrowly beat Jenny's Dream by a length and these two were chased home by Huntsman's Dazzler and Huntsman's Chance.
Meanwhile at Plumpton, last Sunday's three winners all earned repeat successes in their respective races. The Loan family's Jacob McClink took the puppy spoils and Malcolm & Anne Holmes' duo Sundown and Sunshine won the senior and all-in trails.
At Kirkbride, the full puppy trail was contested and theCleator Moor kennels of Stephen Irving produced the first two home in the shape of Da Look and Pot Look. The McCartney's Night Spirit was close up in third place. The senior trail was also a close run affair and it was Alan Blacklock's Busy Night that got the verdict ahead of the Mellon, Airey & Pattinson's Cracking Thore and the Henderson's Escala.
At St Helena on Monday, the Donaldson's Angel put in another good performance to beat Laura Steele & Gordon Tinnion's Quiet Goldfinch. These two had pulled away from their rivals and Reg Bell's Enoch filled the other principle place.
In the senior trail, Jack & Rhona Watson's Whitby Steps continued in winning form when triumphing ahead of Roy & Avril Brockbank's Random Star and Geoff & Gillian Higgins' Shiraz.
Forty eight hours later at the same venue, the same three pups took first, second and third places but in the senior trail, the McGee's Line Dancer triumphed with Random Star again runner up.
St Helena's third meeting of the series took place on Saturday, nine puppies took to the trail and it was Laura Steele and Gordon Tinnion's Quiet Goldfinch who took the win comfortably from Martin Rush's Sawdust with Shields Ryan's Lady Anna in third.
Fifty one seniors were slipped and Reg Smiths Alliance earned the win by a few yards from Roy and Avril Brockbanks Random Star and James Murphys Newtown Ghost in third. The final fixture at this venue takes place on Monday, the last trial before the start of the official season.
On Sunday at Kirkbride the full puppy trail was again laid and there was another close finish in the pups. Stephen Irving's Pot Look came from the bunch to claim victory over Keith Lynch & Darren McMaster's Endurance and William Patterson's Paddy's Return.
The senior trail developed into a duel between the Henderson's Escala and Relentless. The pair had pulled away and were clear by the length of last field, in a very close race, Escala just got the nod on the line. Spud Murphy's Warlord led in the chasing bunch and took third place.
Meanwhile at Coniston, Stanley & Carole Jackson, David & Brian Loan & Gerard Smith's Colleen repeated her win of the previous weekend. The Rosthwaite youngster produced a good turn of foot on the finish and came through from third place on the whistles to beat the Bland & Barrow's Huntsman's Future and the Wilson & Westmorland's Tiagress in good style.
Huntsman's Dazzler and Huntsman's Chance registered another senior 1-2 for Denise Bland & Dennis Barrow. The first named won by distance and the Pawley, Burrow, Hodgson & Bell's Della filled the other principle place.
